16 things that happened in The Simpsons' version of Vancouver 2010

Ten years ago, America’s favourite animated family The Simpsons made a special visit to Vancouver to compete in curling at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Homer and Marge Simpson learn they have a natural talent for the sport of curling, with Homer possessing the skills of bowling and Marge having experience in sweeping from years of housekeeping.

They partner with mother-son duo Agnes and Seymour Skinner to form a ‘mixed-doubles curling team,’ a new demonstration sport in the 2010 competition program, and qualify for the US Olympic Team. Their success in the United States curling trials earns the Skinners and Simpsons a trip to Vancouver to compete at the Winter Olympics.

This is what happened in The Simpsons’ version of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games:

1. Mixed-doubles curling was a demonstration sport at Vancouver 2010 (it became an official Olympic sport in 2018).

2. This City of Vancouver welcome sign exists…

3. …and there was a lot of snow in the city during the ‘Spring Olympics.’

“Pack your winter coat, we’re going to Canada’s warmest city!” – Homer Simpson

4. “For the Beijing Games, China picked famed director Zhang Yimou to to stage its Opening Ceremony. Tonight, Canada turns to its most famous director – Ivan Reitman, the man who brought us Ghostbusters.” – Bob Costas, NBC Olympic anchor, at BC Place Stadium.

But of course, we all know Canada’s most famous director is James Cameron.

5. Zimbabwe and Zambia sent athletes to compete in the Winter Olympics.

6. Beavers, instead of doves, are released during the Opening Ceremony as a Canadian symbol of peace.

7. A lumberjack lit the Olympic Cauldron at BC Place. And it was lit without a hitch.

Until this happened…

“This was all preventable!” – the lumberjack torch bearer, while falling.

8. The Simpsons graced Gastown with their presence.

9. Homer bumped into the Alaskan Inuit shahman (AKA his therapist) from the 2007 The Simpsons Movie.

10. Lisa became a street busker, sharing her music with “the good people of Vancouver.”

11. Vancouver Sightseeing’s Union Jack double-decker buses made an appearance.

12. Homer slid down the Whistler Olympic Park Ski Jump in a bobsleigh.

13. Bart and Lisa went for a stroll through Stanley Park.

14. The Richmond Olympic Oval played host to curling competitions instead of speed skating.

15. Homer, Marge, Skinner, and Agnes win Olympic gold for the United States in mixed-doubles curling.

16. ‘Fatov’ (Homer’s jowls) is revealed to be the mascot of Sochi 2014. The mascot represents the Russian spirit of sloth and alcoholism.

BONUS: “There’s a Winter OIympics?” – Homer Simpson

The Simpsons’ Vancouver 2010 episode premiered on FOX during the Games on Sunday, February 14, 2010. It is titled ‘Boy Meets Curl’ and is the 12th episode of the series’ 20-first season. Find it on Disney+ now.

 

This article was originally published on Daily Hive in February 2014.