Sochi 2014

Roots Canada Hooded Varsity Jacket

Roots Canada Pom Pom Toque

HBC Olympic Team Mittens

Rag and Bone Skinny Heritage

Roots Roll-over Tribe Boot (Julia)

Roots Lori Cabin Sock (Me)

Buckle Moto Boots (These are amazing)

While some of you were soaking up the sun on some warm island down south over your school break…I was freezing my buns off! But please, do not feel bad for me (or for my buns) because I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Russia and be a spectator at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Before the trip, the news tried to flatten our enthusiasm for the trip by highlighting the political unrest in neighboring Ukraine, the unfinished Olympic facilities, the abundance of stray dogs, and public bathrooms with no stalls. However, I couldn’t wait to experience a culture that ate giant perogies on the daily, to see the result of Putin’s $53 Billion investment, and to converse with people from all around the world. I feel sad for those individuals that shied away from the trip (especially the family and friends of athletes), because it was definitely a rewarding and safe experience. In terms of safety, I would have to say that this may have been one of the safest Winter Olympics to have visited due to the high level of security. There were security personal standing along the railway, in fields and in camouflage huts throughout the mountains. But I must stay that the security was anything but invasive. 

The positive energy at any Olympic games is incomparable and indescribable. People from all around world, even with their vast differences in opinions, come together, drink beer, and enjoy each others company. It sounds so cheesy now as I try to mold my experience into words so all I can say is, even if you aren’t a sports fan, try and get out to an Olympic games once in your life. 

My older sister Julia and I had some fun in Olympic Park taking these photos. Russians wanted to join in the fun and take pictures with us. For some reason, that they cannot even explain, Russians love Canadians. I have never felt so much like a celebrity in my life. They constantly wanted to take pictures and drink with us and my fellow Canadian spectators. The response that we received only makes me more proud to be a Canadian. 

For our Olympic style, Julia and I pulled from the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team Collection at Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and the Canadian Collection at Roots. I find the Roots collection is more consistent in its aesthetic with vintage inspired details, while HBC provides a range of both bold and classic designs and graphics. I love my varsity jacket style sweater and classic toque from Roots, and no one can deny the popularity of HBC’s Canadian Olympic Team mittens.