Monday is officially Day Three of the Games, and the frigid weather is a constant reminder that this is indeed the Winter and not Summer version of the biggest multi-sport spectacle on the planet. But the cold suits many of the athletes and their events, which only provides a better show for the spectators who simply pull down their toques (Canadian-ese for winter hat) or wrap their scarves a bit tighter, and cheer all the louder.

Before I continue with my day, I want to turn back to Sunday when China won their last round robin game in mixed doubles curling to force a tie-breaker against the very team they had just beaten, Norway.

This tense affair was played out yesterday evening with Ba Dexin and Wang Rui looking to book their spot in the semi-finals of the first mixed curling competition ever at the Winter Olympics. In a very close game, it came down to the final end. Unfortunately, China was defeated by one point.

After the game, Ba graciously took time to talk to me and despite his extreme disappointment, was able to maintain a brave face and discuss the game and their performance in the tournament.

One of China’s coaches, Marcel Rocque of Canada, also joined me to review his team’s efforts and share his opinion on this new version of a very old game and its place at the Olympics. But Chinese hearts can take solace in the fact that the nation still has a chance at glory in women’s curling, as China’s skip Wang Bingyu and her rink will start their campaign on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday.

Now to continue with Monday, the afternoon of which saw Tracey Holmes at our live location on a cold and windy rooftop overlooking the Gangneung Ice Arena, where we joined the Sports Scene program from Beijing.

Following the show, it was time for live streaming and for that we took in some more local culture by visiting a shop selling traditional Korean clothing called hanbok. There, Tracey and I were able to try on and model several exquisite handmade items that are usually worn for weddings and special ceremonies.

The Olympics certainly qualify as a special occasion, so perhaps we were justified in indulging in some of the finest apparel I have ever worn. The shop is a family business that has been going on for three generations and the gracious mother, daughter, and son combo, took time to help us try on a selection of hanboks and explain some of the other items in the shop. 

The evening was the crowning moment of the day as we returned to the Main Press Center for a conference with the Canadian figure skating team that won gold in the team event a few hours earlier. 

As a Canadian, I was thrilled to talk to each member of the team to hear about their dominant victory in the event that gave our country its first gold of these Games, and they even let me hold their hard won medals to feel the impressive weight of glory. Another long but rewarding day here at the 2018 Winter Olympics with lots more to look forward to as the Games continue.