ON Thursday, Canadian sports fans had reason to celebrate.
No, it wasn't a gold medal win. But when the Canadian women's soccer team snatched victory from the jaws of earlier defeat and pulled off a win against France for the bronze medal, the nation was cheering for them.
It was a sweet victory for the women's squad, who came back from a heartbreaking loss to the Americans in the midst of controversial refereeing on the weekend.
The soccer team managed to get past that on Thursday to beat a team ranked above them in FIFA standings.
Bronze was shining a little brighter than usual for all Canadians.
That's notable, because in the space of a week, our women's soccer team became the squad to root for - occupying a space in the national imagination usually only reserved for men's hockey teams.
The soccer players aren't the only female Olympians who have done our country proud.
Rosie MacLennan, the trampoline gymnast, has been the only Canadian to earn gold so far.
Clara Hughes didn't make the finals in cycling, but still retired as one of the most successful Canadian Olympians ever. Hughes has also been tireless in her support of causes promoting sport for all kids - not just those who can afford it.
That's an important value. We should feel proud that we encourage girls to excel, and that those whose hard work has paid off are now inspiring a younger generation.
