The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are all but over. Despite what you read in the British press, it's been an overall success both as a massive sporting event, an international gathering and a showcase for our beautiful surroundings.
There have also been some amazing moments for all Canadians, including gold-medal performances from our Sea to Sky contingent and golden moments for Canadians in our own backyard at the Whistler Sliding Centre. And as we go to press, at least four more gold medals are in reach, including the Holy Grail of men's hockey.
But apparently we lost, according to the head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, who confirmed earlier this week that Canada would not, after all, "Own the Podium" as promised so many years ago.
Talk about setting unrealistic expectations.
The "Own the Podium" program itself was a fantastic idea - giving the necessary funds to Canadian athletes to be able to do their best and, in conjunction with the home-field advantages and home-country crowds, perhaps bring more medal glory to Canada than ever before. And it should absolutely continue into future Olympic Games.
But it needs a few tweaks, starting with the name. The "Own the Podium" concept is simply un-Canadian in its greed, and it implicitly devalues amazing performances that don't make the podium.
How incredible was it to see three Canadians in the top ten at the men's 30-kilometre pursuit at Whistler Olympic Park on Saturday, for example? Nordic sports have rarely seen Canadians anywhere near the top.
But none of those athletes made the podium. Was it a success? Absolutely. But not according to "Own the Podium".
The most heartbreaking example was Melissa Hollingsworth, who actually felt compelled to apologize after her silver medal-winning performance in women's skeleton last week.
What good is it to own the podium if we lose what makes us Canadian in the process?
The solution is simple: keep the program, change the name. "Canada's Heroes" works just fine, but we're open to other suggestions, of course.
Next, we agree with Canadian biathlete Rosanna Crawford that more of the funding should be directed to sports where we can develop athletes into contenders rather than focused primarily on athletes who already have a medal in their sights.
One of the great legacies of the Games for us, besides the improved highway, is Whistler Olympic Park - which, despite its name, is 老澳门六合彩开奖记录资料's facility, considering the volunteer force and the experts we now have here.
老澳门六合彩开奖记录资料's contribution to future Olympic glory can be in keeping this fine facility running and being a base of support for our Canadian athletes who will come here to use it and hone their skills.
We don't have to own the podium, but we can certainly help our future Olympians -Canada's Heroes - stand on them.
-Tim Shoults
