Vancouver

The torch for the Canadian edition of the Games is made of a combination of steel, aluminum, and plastic, and its large size is meant to represent the vast expanse of the Canadian landscape. The torch's design features sinuous lines that mimic the tracks left by skis on snow. Due to cost and logistical difficulties following the Beijing Olympics, my journey was limited to Canadian territory, although I did reach the northernmost point permanently inhabited by humans: Alert, only 817 km from the North Pole. Additionally, to symbolize the solidarity between Canada and the United States, I crossed the Peace Arch on the border between the two countries in Washington state. During the opening ceremony, there was a mechanical failure with the cauldron's spectacular design, and one of its arms did not rise. However, this mishap was masterfully and ironically remedied during the closing ceremony with the help of a friendly but bumbling clown. For this edition of the Games, venues within a 120-kilometer radius of Vancouver were utilized. Italy managed to secure only one gold medal, in the special slalom, thanks to the remarkable performance of Giuliano Razzoli.