Like many others, I was feeling a bit frustrated about the fact Canada is dead last in the Olympic medal race after six days of competition.
Then I heard some of the commentary and comparisons to Australia's and China's and other nations' athletics programs. Interestingly while Canadian athletes tend to be coached and developed within a more individualistic culture, we also have to remember that we as a nation aren't especially great at supporting our athletes (especially the summer ones).
We tune in every four years and then question why we aren't doing better. What encouragement - financial or otherwise - do we provide in between? So, when our swimmers or gymnasts or rowers say that they are happy with their non-podium-earning performance as they've achieved a personal or national best, they are simply reinforcing the culture in which they live.
Canada does not really provide a concerted, well-funded athletics program. Our athletes (with support from their families and sponsors) are on their own much of the time and most of the credit needs to go to them for their diligence, talent, skill and passion. The fact that we sometimes do score medals is wonderful; however, how much of the glory can Canadians at large really claim?
All that said, I actually don't think that the 'we did our very best' approach of most of our athletes is a bad thing. Isn't this simply an insight into our oh-so-difficult-to-define Canadian personality?
Isn't it true that most of us go about our daily lives striving for success, while emphasizing a well-rounded, balanced quality of life? It's actually quite remarkable how healthy and positive most of our athletes sound and they truly do seem to believe what they're saying.
If we as a country decide that our Olympic-class athletic program is a priority, perhaps to inspire better national fitness as well as international pride, our athletes will become the benefactors of better training, support and opportunities. As a result, we all might be happier every time we sit down to cheer them all on during the Olympic games.
In the meantime, I wish them a world of success during these games as well as in their lives as a whole. They are representing us well and are indeed making us proud.
3 comments:
Hey Dawn - enjoyed reading your insightful comments. I've got similar views and will only add that the time to be disappointed in an athlete is when they don't do their best in things that were in their control. And the reality is that they are likely far more disappointed in themselves than the nation ever could be -that feeling lasts well beyond the 3 weeks we all become Olympic junkies. Alex and Arturo are disappointed because they did not perform their best. Being beaten when you are at your best and your competition is at theirs is a noble outcome.
Off to Beijing on Monday to cheer on Riley competing at his best. He will be satisfied if he does his best and that is all anyone can ask of Canadians. That is who we are.
Hey Margaret. Enjoy this momentous occasion that you all have so richly earned. It's so inspiring to all that know you that Riley is in Beijing and looking forward to his first Olympic event (at the ripe old age of 16/17!).
Take care and take lots of photos too! Can't wait to hear all about it. :)
xo
I too become an Olympic junkie for 3 weeks! I'm really not all that disappointed that Canada's not doing so well in the medal standings. I tell my kids that the amazing part is just BEING a part of the Olympic team! These athletes are elite, amazing athletes!!
When you look at other nations and their elite athletes....the Chinese gymnasts who at 3 yrs old are sent away from home to live and train for years to.....win a medal???
No, that to me isn't really something to be proud of!!
Balance. Athleticism, home/family life, friendships, honesty, and hard, hard work. Now that's a Canadian athlete and something to be proud of.
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