I've had enough of people bashing our
Canadian athletes' performances at the 2004 Olympics in Athens,
Greece. Who are these so-called experts who have been taking
shots at our athletes, programs and results?
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SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW |
Our athletes are going against the best in
the world, and when you go against the best in the world,
something has to give.
Every single athlete in Athens has the same
drive and determination as our Canadian athletes. Everybody
wants to win.
In the events, they have basically a one-shot
opportunity to progress through qualifying rounds or win a
medal.
Canada has typically started slow at the
Summer Games, but when the dust has settled and the closing
ceremonies are done, Canada usually has its share of
medals.
We may not win as many as the United States
or China, two countries with a larger population than ours, but
I don't mind.
Our medal-winning athletes, I think, get more
recognition from Canadians, as opposed to having athletes win
80 medals.
Let us not forget the fact that all these
athletes are already champions. They win events throughout the
year to get to the Olympics, and they are Canadian national
champions.
People are too critical and outdated these
days. The Olympics are a celebration of culture, athletics and
expanding friendships. They are not about results, money,
athlete-bashing and loathing.
Give your head a shake, people, and give our
athletes the respect they deserve.
In 1984, Canada brought home 44 medals,
including 10 gold. In 1996, by contrast, Canada brought home 22
medals. In 1988, Canada brought home just 10 medals.
This year, as of Thursday, Aug. 26, we had
seven medals, including two golds. Canada has a chance to win
as many as eight medals in kayaking and canoe events, and there
are still other events before it all wraps up.
We have had several athletes reach top-10
results as well, and nobody points that out.
We have even had nine fourth-place finishes
in events. Fourth best in the world is pretty exclusive
company. I bet none of these Canadian-bashers ever finished
fourth at a world event in anything.
It's cut and dry at that level. In going
against the best in the world, you will either win or
lose.
Imagine there was a world competition for
your job. How do you think you would fare against the best of
the best in the world?
These "experts" should get off the bashing
bandwagon and just enjoy the spectacle.
I am proud of our athletes and would embrace
them all if I could when they come back, not greet them with
"you didn't win" chants.
Scott Hunter Haddow is Northern Life's sports
reporter.
