This is a great post. This transcends far more than sports, but in the spirit of the Olympics games this holds even more true.
I think as long as a competitor gives his/her all, that is all that matters. It should be a competition against oneself, if you can maximize your limits, reach the threshold and beat your own best, whatever that best is, than thumbs up.
I remembered last Olympics; and there is now a commercial promoting the event, when the Norweigian coach gave a ski pole to the Canadian skier. It allowed Canada to win the Silver (they would most certainly have not won had they not been given the ski pole), while Norway finished 4th. To me, this act resonates FAR stronger, and expresses alot about the character of a person, and, I suppose to some degree a country. I cannot tell you the amount of medals won by any country in ANY Olympic games, but I definitely rememebered that moment.
Here is the story:
http://fyicanada.ca/hot_issues/view.do;jsessionid=F1A08F3F8B28127E863791E25C202C74.tomcat1?id=20150In a sad reversal, the leadership committee in Canada returned the favour (sarcasm), by doing something very Un-Olympic (Un-Canadian?) like by restricting a Norweigian skiiers access to a mountain.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/vancouver2010/news/2010/02/15/12890151.htmlOwn the podium? The average Canadian would LOVE to see our Canadian athletes succeed, but not in a manner that appears biased or unfair. I was shocked to read this article, this drive to be #1 is unrealistic due to our population and funding levels(and really, does anyone want billions of dollars spent trying to win God medals when we could use the funds for other things?).
Furthermore, sports and participation should be a priority, but this does not need to be Olympic victories. I would love to see more kids involved in sports, and see a lower rate of obesity, I would make that trade off gladly for a few less medals.
I am glad to read Buzz and his opinion. Especially when he states "If you judge by the spirit, you Canucks really outdo yourself".
Go Canada!