Canada's home Winter Olympics in Vancouver got off to an inspired start as Alexandre Bilodeau raced to victory in the men's moguls event.The 22-year-old secured Canada's first Olympic gold medal on home soil after disappointments in Montreal in 1976 and then again in 1988 in Calgary.
Bilodeau qualified with the second best time and then produced a near-flawless run at Whistler to finish ahead of Australia's reigning champion Dale Begg-Smith and American Bryon Wilson.
He said: "I don't think I really realise it. It's too good to be true.
"I can't think. There are more golds to come for Canada. It's just the beginning of a good party in Canada."
Bilodeau made it down the slope and completed both jumps in a time of 23.17 seconds and was given an overall score of 26.75 points to take top spot.
Some 244 gold medals had been handed out to athletes from other countries over the course of the previous two Winter Olympics held in Canada.
Bilodeau finished in 11th spot in the previous Winter Olympics four years ago in Turin.
Written by Chris Smith