The ice was tough. I started off at a pace that I thought I could hold. But I died at the end.

There were still two laps to go and it should have been my last lap. Then I thought just one more lap. I was just trying to stay on my feet.

I didn't want to do it. I thought it looked funny with long blades and wearing a tight skin suit.

Growing up, you always dream of winning a gold medal. But coming into these Games, it wasn't something I was focused on. I'm just enjoying skating. This is the best season ever. I think that this year, my 3,000 meters has been stronger than the 1,500. The 1,500 has been anybody's race this year. When I was first, I still didn't know if that was enough.

I am honored to be selected as Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Over the past 16 days we've had some outstanding performances by Canadian athletes and it is truly overwhelming to be selected as the flag bearer amidst the most successful Canadian Olympic Winter Games team ever.

The technique was something that was pretty hard to pick up and not something you just learn overnight.