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transplant99 · 08-18-2008, 05:57 PM

I think a great many Canadians view Canada as some sort of power among the worlds athletes, and it simply isnt so,and cannot happen, because of one big reason IMO...population. Of course climate certainly makes a difference as well...just look at the Cuban totals as an example.

I think when all is said and done though...the powerhouses also are the most populous and as such will have not only a bigger group of athletes to find the best from, but also better training facilities, backing from corporatations, etc etc. There is just a lot more money and opportunity in all phases of amateur athletics when you have more people. As an example...Bela Karoliy is revered in the gymnastcs world as a genius. He left Romania as a defector in the early 80's and opened a gymnastics business in Houston. Sure enough because he could do this, he was rewarded with finding dozens of young athletes that went on to international success....but only because he could earn a decent living at it after making it a business. Something he couldn't do in Romania at that time. That is the kind of advantage that popultion and wealth can give a country....more oportunity. That kind of story would almost be impossible to do in Canada to any degree of success.

Also...there is nothing wrong with sending the 25th best athlete in the World at a certain discipline to the Olympic Games. Its truly what the Olys are all about afterall. A chance to compete with the best and represent your country proudly...win or lose.

08-18-2008, 05:57 PM	#567
transplant99 Fearmongerer Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign. Exp:	I think a great many Canadians view Canada as some sort of power among the worlds athletes, and it simply isnt so,and cannot happen, because of one big reason IMO...population. Of course climate certainly makes a difference as well...just look at the Cuban totals as an example. I think when all is said and done though...the powerhouses also are the most populous and as such will have not only a bigger group of athletes to find the best from, but also better training facilities, backing from corporatations, etc etc. There is just a lot more money and opportunity in all phases of amateur athletics when you have more people. As an example...Bela Karoliy is revered in the gymnastcs world as a genius. He left Romania as a defector in the early 80's and opened a gymnastics business in Houston. Sure enough because he could do this, he was rewarded with finding dozens of young athletes that went on to international success....but only because he could earn a decent living at it after making it a business. Something he couldn't do in Romania at that time. That is the kind of advantage that popultion and wealth can give a country....more oportunity. That kind of story would almost be impossible to do in Canada to any degree of success. Also...there is nothing wrong with sending the 25th best athlete in the World at a certain discipline to the Olympic Games. Its truly what the Olys are all about afterall. A chance to compete with the best and represent your country proudly...win or lose.