Five time Olympian Charmaine Crooks was the perfect host last night at a special Olympic Athletes reunion event in Vancouver’s Chinatown district. It was a royal reception to be sure with names like HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and King Constantine II of Greece who attended along with his wife, Queen Anne Marie of Denmark. Pomp and ceremony aside, the evening also included appearances by former US Olympic gold medal skater Kristi Yamaguchi and teamate Paul Wylie as well as US gold medal Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. Both Yamaguchi and Johnson are also champion Dancing With The Stars competitors which added an unusual but fun twist to the reunion themed evening.
01 – Former MuchMusic VJ turned socialite Monika Deol is a stunning and beautiful MC for the royal event.
02 – U.S. Gold medal skater Kristi Yamaguchi and fellow Olympic teammate Paul Wylie are among the VIPs at the athletes’ reception.
03 – She is perfect on the balance beam and the ballroom floor. America’s sweetheart gymnast and Dancing with the Stars champion Shawn Johnson attends the athletes’ reception with her dad Doug.
04 – Olympic silver medalist from 1972, Karen Magnussen, left, and 1976 Olympic gold medal skier Kathy Kreiner are the epitome of what Olympic spirit means at the athletes’ reception.
05 – King Constantine II of Greece and his wife, Queen Anne Marie of Denmark, are a wonderfully friendly and gracious couple meeting all the athletes with a smile.
06 – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Canadian Olympic silver medalist (and West Vancouver gal) Charmaine Crooks are both five-time Olympians. Charmaine was also the host for the night.
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By Catherine Barr
Feb 10, 2010