Village after village the banners screamed, 'Go Melissa Go' and posters of Melissa in action adorned shop windows for miles. By the end of my summer holiday in eastern Canada I knew all about athlete Melissa Bishop.

Watching the Olympic Games in a different country was a fascinating experience. Just like here, there was non-stop coverage on a number of TV channels but with the focus on any athlete wearing the Maple Leaf I was exposed to a number of different sports and events.

There was a lot of time dedicated to the trampolining, where Canadian Rosie MacLennan won gold for the second successive games. Then there was also the sight of Evan Duffy in the 50km walk. I was tired just watching!

What will really stick with me is that wherever you are in the world the Olympic Games, like no other sporting event, inspires youngsters to be the stars of future.

Every Canadian child I met lit up when I mentioned the name of their star sprinter, Andre De Grasse.

The nation was gripped by his duels with the legend that is Usain Bolt and I will never forget the race which finished with them grinning and laughing at one another. I can only imagine how many children will be sprinting round Canadian playgrounds when they return to school.

But what of Melissa... did all those posters work?

Sadly, the 800m runner missed out on a medal by 0.13 of a second.

The Olympic Games bring so many moment of happiness, but they can be cruel too. It'll be fascinating to see if any Norfolk youngsters have been inspired to perform in future Olympics, and I wonder where I will watch Tokyo Games in 2020!

Emily Oxbury, 15, Blofield