we ve exercised for the worst. we ve been evaluated for the worst but we obviously hope for the best. reporter: that planning process dates back seven years, a complex challenge to secure more than 4,000 square miles, from vancouver, home to more than 2 million people, to the mountain resort of whistler, site of the alpine events. the real problem is not olympic facilities. it s potential soft targets, transportation, hotels, any area where large numbers of people are going to gather. reporter: also cause for concern, a dizzying mix of ferries, sea planes and container ships, all possible terrorist targets. canadian officials hope to strike a delicate balance between sports celebration and security. the focus is still on the athletes, and their life-long achievements to get them here, that should be the focus, not security and finding that balance is something that we strive for every day. reporter: peter alexander, nbc news, vancouver. and for the latest olympics results i