For this installment in our Olympic Memories series, we revisit the 2010 Winter Olympic Games by asking a couple of TransLink employees about their experiences moving the world four years ago! Both Paul’s worked near the Richmond O Zone during the Games. Paul Barlow is a Director of Risk Management and Paul Cheng is a Transportation Demand Management Officer for TransLink.

What did you do as an employee during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games?

Paul B: I was a Host Coordinator in Richmond working the Canada Line.

Paul C: I was working at the Richmond Canada Line Stations, mainly at Richmond-Brighouse. I spent most of my time giving directions to the Richmond Oval or to the O Zone, and providing information about our transit system and the Olympics.

What did you love most about your Olympic experience?

Paul B:  Simply put, the people. Everyone was in a good mood. At the end of the Games a young man asked for my official TransLink staff Winter Olympic Jacket. I though, “What the heck am I going to do with this now that the games are through?” So, I gave him my jacket. He’s was really surprised and very happy. Like I said, everyone was in a good mood at the Games!

Paul C:

I just loved being able to be a part of the Olympics. I loved interacting with people from all over the globe. I met people from the Netherlands, Japan, Korea, Germany, and a lot more other countries. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. Hearing all the positive feedback from visitors about our service was very satisfying.

I had so many highlights during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. I was in the Olympic Oval when Christine Nesbitt won the gold medal for the Women’s 1000m event. I was celebrating with other Canadians in the building. It was such a great experience being able to share the excitement with other Canadians.

I got the chance to meet Jennifer Heil, the Olympic Gold Medalist from women’s Moguls. I visited so many different pavilions, tried a variety of different cuisines, and got a small taste of different cultures.

I was at the Swiss House when Switzerland was awarded two gold medals at two separate events within a span of a few hours. It was a great experience just being inside the building when it happened.