I have Olympic Games withdrawl

Pressing the recall button on my remote control tonight had a strange effect. First, I saw the evening news. Recall. Then it was an ESPN film? What the heck? Where were the Olympics?

Yes, I watched the closing ceremonies just like everyone else. I realize the Games are over. But now, I was forced to do something I hadn't done for two weeks. I had to press the "Guide" button, and explore what else was on TV.

No skiing, no bobsleigh, no curling, no speed skating. What a rip off. NBA basketball seemed like a cheesy participation ribbon. It seemed like TSN was sending me a message saying, "thanks for tuning in, unfortunately, this is all we have for you."

The Vancouver Olympics were a truly great event and displayed the outstanding power of sport. 14 gold medals were won by Canada, more than any nation in the history of the Winter Olympics. More importantly, millions went back to work following the closing ceremonies feeling refreshed, proud, and excited.

Don't worry sports fans, there are a few things for us to look forward to. We have March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the World Cup of Soccer. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a few years before the Olympics re-appear and much longer before we are able to experience another Olympic Games on Canadian soil.

It was good while it lasted, I just wish it had lasted longer.

Let the games begin.

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Own the Podium is already a success

Let's put all the critics to rest right now. Canada's 'Own the Podium' program has been a success already.

It's true, Canada will not win the overall medal count at this Olympic Games, but relative to past Olympic Games, particularly those on Canadian soil, Canada has done extremely well.

Canada is tied for the lead in Gold medals and has several opportunities to add to that number including in curling, hockey, and speed skating.

For the head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Chris Rudge, to come out and say that the 'Own the Podium' program was a failure, is wrong. Look at our success stories. Athletes such as Jon Montgomery and the bobsleigh team of Kallie Humphries and Heather Moyse might never have captured gold at the Olympic Games without 'Own the Podium'.

Canada sunk $117 million into athletics. Was it money wasted? I don't think so. The problem with the program was the unrealistic goals and the outrageous pressure they placed on Canadian athletes. If Canada continuosly funded athletics, not just in the few years leading up to a home Olympics, we truly would 'Own the Podium' everywhere we went.

Canada is Owning the Podium and Canadians should be proud of the dedicated athletes who are working hard to bring pride to their country. Remember, before these Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada had never won an Olympic Gold Medal on home soil. When the Vancouver Games come to a close, Canada will likely have more than 10 gold medals. That is what I call 'Owning the Podium'.

Let the games begin.

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