In terms of how funding can impact medal standings, it seems one of the worst investments is hosting games... I was reading an article before these Olympics started about how host nations do not get any sort of advantage in future Olympics, despite perceived greater attention and facilities. Well, with Greece currently tied with Canada with 0 medals (but only two top eight finishes!), that's certainly playing out this year. I fully expect the same will be true of Whistler. Billions invested in hosting the games will do little for the long-term success of the athletes, compared with a much more modest ongoing investment.
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