wayne gretzky's speech at the 2002 olympic games

the speech that propelled the team to a gold medal.

[@djob2676]

The next day on Coach's Corner, Don Cherry was Wayne's #1 fan: "I'm more proud of him now than for anything he ever did as a player. He's right, you know he's right!"

[@Crazy__Canuck]

If he wasn't already...this truly made Wayne Gretzky beloved throughout the Country and a Canadian Hero. Telling it how it is.

[@tonyiacomi4822]

Why? He's American now. He's even a Republican.

[@dariusq8894]

Talk softly and carry a big stick.

[@mlscards1761]

@@tonyiacomi4822 OH STFU. Always some idiot who has to make it political.

[@tonyiacomi4822]

@@mlscards1761 Nah you shut the fuck up. The poster of the comment started talking about being a proud Canadian. Gretzky is no longer a Canadian. So go fuck yourself asshole

[@mlscards1761]

@@tonyiacomi4822 Moron.

[@wadestonge]

It made such an impact because the Great One NEVER talked or ever talks like this. The out-of-character nature of it really turned heads and woke and shook a lot of people up. Go Wayne!!

[@rogerm2420]

I’d forgotten just how incredible this impromptu presser was. Gretz handled himself so well, while supporting his players and acknowledging his countrymen. Brilliant!

[@nhlvan]

The greatest speech/rant in Canadian sports history

[@soyentak5076]

nope. Esposito 72

[@nazcarcup]

Very underrated sports rant

[@dnice4145]

This was a genius presser, he took all the presser and heat off his team, drew the attention to himself, so the players could just go out and perform and they did.

[@murphyjones100]

Wayne is right when he said "we don't dislike them as much as they hate us." Still true today.

[@imaratspal]

Some kind of inferiority complex. You can't get into a hockey discussion with a European without them trying to put down Canadian hockey and touting how good their own hockey is in comparison. It's really annoying and makes you just roll your eyes.

[@tomaspavlik3318]

That is just canadian interpretation imo. We didnt like team Canada in Czech Republic through almost entire 90s just because they mostly looked like bunch of grinders looking for fight (except 4-5 guys on roster). But it was not even close to hate. Canada wasnt even our biggest rival so I dont knowfor what reason that came to Gretzky mind. In fact, in that times, team looked maybe even overdetermined to prove they are the best hockey team. I guess It must have been hard for them because that top level quality wasnt there or was on same level as in other 2-3teams.So this is the reason for such emotional statement imo. He wouldnt have to say something like this with 2016 World cup roster.

[@imaratspal]

+Tomas Pavlik Let me jog your memory then. Canada had just played Czechs to a tie game and he was angry at the fact the way the Canadian players were being treated (no penalty for a deliberate spear and cross check on Fleury). You're saying Canada's "overdetermined?" As if it's a negative? Canada won gold 3 of the last 4 Olympics so how can someone complain about that? I would have a problem if my team was underdetermined to win. Lastly, I don't know what you mean by "top level quality wasn't there" when Canada had a team full of legends and won the Gold medal. When things aren't going your way, the referees are giving you the calls, and the media portrays you in a negative light when you've done very few negative things, it's going to make you angry. Especially when you know the quality of players you have on your team is better than what anyone else has. They did end up putting it together and end up winning in the end. It was a strange tournament, though.

[@tomaspavlik3318]

I dont really oppose it. I just recognized that more canadian fans (not all) have this believe that all other teams hate them and doing everything to beat them as their main enemy. I personally don't know where it came from. MY personal immpression from that time (lets say from 98 - 2006) was, that Canada was nervous or I would say bit hysterical to prove they are number one because they knew they lack something. I mean, that teams were full of NHL legends, but to be honest, and here I am not saying that for example czech players could match canadians in agresivity, determination, driving to net, face offs etc, most of them lack that sense for combination and passing (maybe not lack but they didnt play like this). You can clearly see it in 98OG. and 2006 games. There were guys like Gretzky, Lemieux, Karyia, Sakic who got all of these tools, but this couldnt be said about all players in those teams. My immpression was that lot of guys in that 98,2002 teams Canada played bit of old school 90s hockey, which didnt necessary have to be enough to beat int. opponents, even if it was enough most of the time. Anyway its a history so I dont feel necessity to find out reasons for it, especially with present state of czech hockey. Maybe they considered czechs as main competitors and thus made these statements. But it was really quite unfair to accuse somebody they hate you despite it more looked like that Canada hated czechs or lets say was more determined. It does not really follow czech mentality to take it like this, except maybe matches against Russia (mostly in past despite something from it still remains). I might disagree with your statement that the quality was better than anyone else had. Maybe based on numbers or NHL achievement, but not necessary on team performance. This opinion is clearly valid for 2014 and 2016 teams Canada and here I would understand that you could be or even should be number one enemy and would be good if all other teams or programs triyng to match you.

[@Aijaleena]

@@imaratspal im from Finland so obviously I root for the Lions... However most of my fav players are canadian so I find myself rooting for team Canada every chance I can. No inferiority complex here, us Finns have magnificent generation of young talent that can challenge every big hockey countrys top stars, not just on the ice like before but now also on paper before the game.

[@DethOfDrgnz]

As Canadians were taught to be polite and respect others and not step on other peoples toes. There does come a time though when you need to stand up for yourself and this is what Gretzky did. One of the greatest interviews ever in Canadian history. The rest of the world likes to laugh and snub their noses at us, but we know that Canada may be the best in the world when it comes to equality, friendship, love and tolerance of it's people. In the end Canadians will be standing together.

[@19markle19]

What a proud Canadian. Canada loves you, Wanye!

[@jimgray3346]

We love you but can't spell your name

[@randypalmer2331]

The absolute most powerful man in hockey. Far and away.

[@datriaxsondor590]

Wayne has always been just as much heart, as he has been skill. Loved watching this interview back in 2002, and I still revisit it every now and then. Well done, Wayne.

[@Johnsonx94]

how can you not love wayne

[@JTDutch]

... As a player, usually Wayne would tell the truth in interviews/press conferences, but there was always a filter he'd run everything through. Not this time. Wayne said these things purely from his heart. He was as raw and genuine as I've ever seen him. The pain and heartbreak from 1998's disappointment in the Olympics was still very evident in Wayne's words and emotions in 2002. He was desperate to win the gold medal, any way he could.

[@thefastandthefurious1]

+J.T. Dutch Totally agree. Yet he stayed 100% classy. I can't imagine how proud his father is of him. He shouldn't be declared Mr. Hockey he should be declared Mr. Canada. "The Great One" is literal.

[@demitriusrawluk5747]

GT -R Gordie Howe is Mr. Hockey, Gretzky is the great one.

[@KristenHammerback-pk5wy]

Yes! Well said!

[@beeswaxlike]

Right or wrong, awesome speech. Always nice to see someone be blunt about things in sport. Especially for someone so central to the sport as Gretzky was/is.

[@v_886ix9]

The speech that woke up Canadian Hockey 3 outta the 4 gold medals since 02 #THEGREATONE

[@tiedomi10]

Absolute best hockey interview ever. So passionate.

[@gc6888]

I still love this speech - he meant every word

[@suryavajra]

I look at this speech and I honestly don't get where he us coming from. He was the chief beneficiary of American propaganda and big business.

[@williamfrancis4912]

Love watching this, unfortunately not old enough to remember Gretz beyond his last season, but I will always remember this

[@johnkidd1226]

I've been watching him play since his nickname was 'the kid'. He was always a class act but nothing brought out his competitive side like negative comments. When he was about 10, he scored five goals in the first game of a tournament. A sportscaster decided to rip him, how it had to be a fluke, he wasnt that fast, etc. He went out the next day in their second game and scored 10 goals and when he got interviewed after he said, 'Oh, it had to be a fluke'. At 10, he was already learning how to deal with the press.

[@jeffpomietlarz76]

This is why he's a Canadian icon

[@AllDayShorts247]

this is why? lol

[@gar7reever754]

Such a classy man... a true great gentleman and player ... 👍🏻🏒🇨🇦

[@broadstreet21]

This is Gretzky going on a "rampage"? Well yeah some strong words here and there, but anything but raving out of control. This is what we call Canadian class.

[@tms372]

He kept his cool and said what needed to be said, we all watched the game and new he was right, I was livid. As usual Canada won the olympics anyway.

[@TheAxeGrinder]

When Wayne talks, people listen.

[@slimedevourer8298]

+TheAxeGrinder u mean when he cries like an old lady? :-)

[@KristenHammerback-pk5wy]

I sure do!

[@JohnnyMnemonic.]

@@slimedevourer8298 the great one.

[@tommycodfish]

Just like his Dad. When his Dad speaks people listen.

[@chriss1686]

@@slimedevourer8298 Checking in 6 years later. Have you found happiness in your life?

[@alexlongfield2113]

Wayne goes...off the chain! "Gee golly, I think we're pretty good and... have a real chance of winning despite some people doubting us." Can you believe he dropped the "crock of crap" bomb??? What a guy, furious but composed and classy.

[@willriley994]

Why is everyone hating on the USA is this video? I'm an American and have the upmost respect for my Northern neighbors

[@pinkeyedinkeye]

I think they dislike was for the American media. Not good hockey fans like yourself.

[@suryavajra]

@@pinkeyedinkeye I don't get it.... The American media hardly covers hockey anymore and when he played, they couldn't glamorize him enough. What is he crying about? He's a product of American propaganda.

[@silkeotd7194]

@@suryavajra He's talking about the Olympic hockey team and the Olympics were in the U.S. that year and the Canadian teams (men's and women's) were badly treated in more ways than one. Go look at some of the reports from back then and then maybe you'll understand.

[@suryavajra]

@@silkeotd7194 If you have any links to those reports, I’d be happy to read it. But I have never heard of the Canadian teams being badly mistreated in 2002. What happened?

[@rcoveyduc]

It doesn't get much more sincere and poignant in a press conference.

[@vexrob]

so proud, so much pride, no fucking bullshit. wayne gretzky is the fucking man

[@shawnsnow8900]

None of the crap mattered in the end. Gold medal baby. I watched that game in Afghanistan with my American brothers. It was a great night and a lot banter between us and the the Americans.

[@brainynbrawny9562]

"Am I HOT? Yeah, I'm HOT!" As a Canadian, living in the U.S. for the last 21 years, I forgot all about this Canadian phrase!

[@robbysuter2920]

@ 5.20 "Thats a crock of crap" LMAO This is awesome

[@thefastandthefurious1]

+Robby Suter He's always thinkin of the kids lol

[@markmearth1]

Yes

[@todds5095]

The Greatest speaks, and makes great stuff... Special.

[@KristenHammerback-pk5wy]

Wayne Gretzky is a total hero, I love him so much!

[@jetsblu4444]

Bravo Wayne! Telling it like it is!

[@whateverpbk]

Respect for Gretzky, he's absolutly right, from a Swede.

[@markmearth1]

Thanks， Swedish friend. I was on the ice for a summer hockey game and there were 2 Swedes , there. Their pure talent was remarkable. I have a lot of respect for the Swedish skill level (though Canada's hockey is first in my heart).

[@darrenmeservia5578]

@whateverpbk On behalf of all Canadians... Thank you! Peace to Sweden!

[@ezioauditoredafirenze5453]

After reading couple of books about Wayne Gretzky and at least partially know what happened inside the team Canada in those times, I can only say that he took his place as an head coach and talked behalf of his team. Why? Because it was his god damn job, that's why. And he didit with style and class as usual. That was not whining. All thumps up for Wayne Gretzky. He really deserves the name Great One.

[@suryavajra]

It is whining... I read his autobiography and it had a totally different tone....

[@forklift26]

Wayne is simply the best!

[@j.p.8304]

This was large. Boss taking the heat. 🇨🇦

[@hmrhuang]

That was the most polite, sports rant. Typical of Canadians! =)

[@budb8226]

Fucking rights...We are the best..

[@DeanWinchester-rx6co]

Wayne Gretzky= Epitomizes what it means to be a Canadian

[@dslking]

Best speech ever!!!!

[@kimmolaine8069]

Unbeatable legend.

[@MM-sf7qv]

Gretzky is the king. Iginla Sackic and Gagne were one awesome line in that tournament. Clutch.

[@MyMg23]

The Greatest!

[@darrenmeservia5578]

And THEN... 50 YEARS LATER, to the DAY... with my Hero, The Great One, at the helm... CANADA WINS OLYMPIC GOLD!!! Oh, that Wayne... always with the flair for the dramatic! Peace, from ANOTHER loud and proud Canadian. CANADA OWNS THE ICE !!!

[@KristenHammerback-pk5wy]

You Go Wayne! You ARE the Great One. Always. No one else has ever come close.

[@sandie302]

Just like Phil Esposito in 72...Proud Canadians- Great leaders

[@ralphyization]

Canada, ultimately, DID go on to win 5-2 in the final against the us! Right on Wayne!!

[@AllDayShorts247]

"and we'll be standing"

[@j.p.8304]

Unreal "rant" changed everything.

[@Greg-cn5ty]

Epic speech

[@ralphyization]

I love the Wayne Gretzky-meister!! Mr, Canada, for sure!

[@randypalmer2328]

I'm going to bet that if you watched this back with Wayne, 4:50 was right around the time he realized he had a moment on his hands.

[@okpapereat]

competitive and makes for good environment to make better players since they take everything seriously which push players to potential, like the NHL.

[@ralphyization]

THAT is a Canadian class act!! He's CLEARLY miffed, but not losing his mind! If that were an American, there would "probably" be chair thrown!....but we're goons! yeah....whatevs....

[@RevanGabriel]

wayne gretzky sure has aged a lot in 10 years.

[@darrenmeservia5578]

@RevanGabriel Sadly, we all have! But... he's STILL, and ALWAYS WILL BE, The Great One!!! Peace!

[@KillaRock881]

Hell yeah Wayner!!!!! You give those jerks hell!!!!!!!!!!

[@amirjon]

greater than life, some people just have it.

[@ZOLOCA]

i remember being 10 and watching the interview and my mother coming in to the room saying, "turn off the tv that language and use of words is not acceptable." I said, "Mum it's just Wayne taking the pressure the guys and saying, "guys its on me now, just go play hockey." My mother told me not to be so smart with her, but that if it was Mr. Gretzky it was acceptable. She did not allow cursing in her house, but if it was the Gentlemanly Great Gretzky it was OK. I like romanuk, but thats a bad Q/A

[@jamestimlin856]

Wow. Leadership. Could you imagine him and Mess in the lock room?

[@Expos1970]

Gene, Gretzky was referring to a spear that Theo Fleury took from a Czech player, although Fleury said after the game he was actually speared at two different times during that game.

[@craigclass]

preach on brother

[@DeanWinchester-rx6co]

Not only did we win, but we literally dismantled that team..the referee's gave America 4 straight powerplays to start the game (lol) and we came back to just dismantle them in their own arena..will never forget the Canadian fans singing O Canada in the American arena with a minute left, almost cried.

[@RaginRonic]

And more importantly, 8 years later, stopped the U.S. from getting revenge, in both women's and men's hockey, in Vancouver. =)

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Love Wayne ...I got your back Waynester ✌ ...Thank you Brantford

[@bibleberean1611]

I agree with Wayne Gretzky 100% with every word that he said because it is the truth. We Canadians need to have that same hatred and dislike toward the other teams like Russia, USA, etc., and play like it the way they do towards us. Canada is THE greatest hockey superpower on earth. We just have to prove it EVERY time.

[@amandayu2807]

Nah, Canada's a friendly country off the ice. Let others be mean all they want cause we'll still show our dominance on the ice with respect and skill.

[@vinnybunbats7698]

well there was two superpowers in hockey #1 Canada #2 Soviet union. but now theres only one Canada. Russia, US and Sweden are good teams just not great.

[@fauzyb29]

***** The US is doing much better, they are starting to follow the Canadian mentality of not just grabbing all their best players but actually assembling a team. The Russians do just the opposite, they have some great Russian players but all they do is grab the ones they think are best, throw them together and think they should win just on that. You have to assemble a team, maybe you don't get the absolute best players but they are the best at what they are needed for

[@beeswaxlike]

***** Actually most neutral people have a very positive attitude against Brazil. They're the "charming" "playful" side. I personally resent that phenomenon but that's how it's been for decades. And since football is such a bigger sport, there's so much quality out there that there isn't one obvious leading nation like Canada has been historically in hockey. Even if they haven't won every single thing they're the obvious home of the sport.

[@Aijaleena]

Thats why I like case team Canada alot. Finlands needs to get all the skill they can get to get to medals, otherwise we are out. Canada needs to pick all the hungry players that want to bring something real to the table, they dont lack in the skill department, the mentality and focus on the gold medal is their challenge.

[@MM-sf7qv]

The next World Cup of Hockey will be awesome. Crosby and McDavid together. It'll be like 87' again when 99&66 teamed up on the Soviets.

[@paulthake7963]

Took the words out of my mouth brother! Betteman better ok the Olympics too cause we have a lot of awesome young talent starting out

[@FlowerGirl8]

Why didn’t they have another Canada Cup after 87?

[@wade5307]

Turning point of the tournament for Canada. Most international tournaments have Canada starting slower than most of the other countries, takes longer for the team to gel for whatever reason. First three games they were still figuring themselves out. That 3rd game with the Czechs was really emotional. Canada had an insane level of pressure on the hockey team, most I’ve ever seen. Gretzky was fed up, and just went off. Perfect timing and EXACTLY what Canada needed

[@freemandiaz5123]

Accurately portrayed in the book. Like almost every word of it. Large rant, hold the Sauce please.

[@AndyI222]

Awesome!

[@spoonman1973]

The best ever telling it like it is. Captain Canada.

[@shaneshiyoji5791]

GOD!!

[@Anthony-oi7mo]

The SPEECH that woke up Canadian hockey 3 outta the next 4 tournaments Olympic Gold #THEGREATONE

[@shaneshiyoji5791]

GOD

[@ToddEdmondson]

Great Passion in this speech. I think when he talks about tough Canadians vs. Europeans, it reminds me of the 70's and Canada Russia, as the Russians did have more passing and far less hitting or tough play, but now!! just look at how Ovechkin is, or how big Malkin works. My wish is Canada - Russia in 2010 Final! Go Canada Go!!

[@Vessanpönttöpää]

Jagr is the best NHL forward of all the time, Gretzky comes as a second. Jagr truly gave over 100% when he played in Penguins.

[@revton3197]

The Phil Esposito speech part 2. Way to go Gretz.

[@timothybogle1461]

I hated Gretzky as a Leaf fan for 1993. I heard this press conference in the car with my dad the day after watching this game and screamed at that cross-check. Loved Wayne Gretzky ever since. RIP Walter.

[@tripperj4683]

Whoever made him, made one. I don't know a whole lot but I also think whoever made him lost the blueprints.

[@powerhouse9868]

GRETZKY IS GOD!!!!!!

[@rocky1d]

The best part about this is you can tell the reporters are agreeing with everything he is saying

[@snakuvudu]

i fucking love hockey

[@robertostamas5675]

Gretzky's Speech Got Canada Going In 2002! Just Like Esposito's Speech Did In 72'! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@l337g0g0]

The GREATEST Canadian Hockey speech ever.

[@KillaRock881]

you give 'em fuckin hell Wayne

[@franciscotoro9454]

Well done Mr. Gretzky. You are a true leader.

[@ralphyization]

I Love Canada!! Who couldn't? We've still gotta take them out in Sochi!!! gold again, I hope!

[@jaynutz17bam60]

This was the moment that group came together and won the gold

[@j.p.montpellier3834]

That's why he's the Great 1.... 👏👏👏🇨🇦

[@Jay9999]

Yes my master

[@Kimonofubu]

Americans Do too WE LOVE YOU 99!!!!!!! BUFFALONIANS GET IT. PLEASE COME COACH FOR US!

[@EHD1987]

fucking legend

[@Chrisman77]

Love the speech... but he repeated the "if we did it" thing way too much do it kindve lost the effectiveness. Once or twice would have been perfect. Not 7 times. But his point was bang on.

[@ADKubi]

I've been trying to find a video, but I can't. It was a cross check from behind by Roman Hamrlik on Theoren Fleury.

[@stevehull-nc6og]

best speech ever

[@KennyPengB]

find me a country that loves the game as much as we do...Canada is use to getting bullied, this isn't news. GO CANADA GO!!!

[@ralphyization]

And we did!!! Gold all the way!!! Even the women's hockey all Gold!!

[@DannyLeigh9]

CANADA IS THE BEST NATION AT HOCKEY PERIOD!! CANADA GOLD! 2010 Best on best tournament, CANADA gold 2002 ,CANADA WON THE LAST WORLD CUP 2004, Canada won 05,06,07,08,09 world juniors so that proves we also have the best players coming in the future. all the top talent in the nhl are Canadian, more than 50% of the players in the nhl are Canadian , Canada has the most talent, heart, toughness, skill, drive, and home nation support than any other country on the PLANET IIHF RAnkED #1 OUR GAME

[@juliansmith4295]

...and then we went on to win the gold medal on American ice, with a few thousand Canadians singing O Canada to finish the game off.

[@garrettgrant5876]

he aint whining, he is sticking up for his country, he has balls, and I believe CANADA WON so shut it, Canada produces the best Hockey players period. The Greatest ATHLETE in TEAM Sports History is wayne gretzky,Not Michael Jordan, NOT BABE RUTH, nobody dominated there sport like gretzky did, 60 records,9 mvp's, 10 scoring titles, Look in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS Gretzky is #1. He holds the records for having the most records. LOL.. people are just jelous that he married a hot wife,is a multi millionaire and is the best dam player ever.. Time to bow down to the great one, LOL hahaha.. #1 is The Great One

[@suryavajra]

I think Canadians were blaming his wife for Wayne heading down south to join the Kings....So i am having problems with this whole us vs. them...stuff. Back in the 1990s, Wayne was saying it's wonderful for teams to pack up and leave Canada for the American sun belt, now he's coming with this sob story about how we Americans somehow hate him? oh waaaaaah....

[@Canuck204]

This speech was needed because Team Canada was getting blasted in the media, the papers, hockey pundits with the underacheiving they were doing on the ice. Up until that point, you can see they were just a mess. Wayne stood up to the criticism and directed the heat towards him, quite frankly because the team needed something to get going. He was basically saying, if you guys were gonna slam someone or criticize someone, send it all to me cause I deserve it. From there on, the team played looser, the heat was off them and they took off.

[@HarmanSin]

the game misses personalities like wayne today. Absolute legend