Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman
How many countries really participate in these events, at a significant level? These are still very much emerging sports.
I think we will eventually see the Scandanavian/Alps countries, and China/Japan/Korea, start winning the events we are winning now. We probably got a 10 year head start compared to most, plus the boost of "own the podium" for Vancouver.
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I think it just shows our political clout more than anything. There are 20+ medal opportunities related to cross country skiing and biathlon. If we pulled that back to 8 the Nordic countries wouldn't do as well. Now the sports our kids are interested in are being represented.
As long as kids are getting the chances to try all the sports and if they're good we give them more dollars to pursue those passions, Canada can out perform the Scandanaivan countries easily. The alps countries will be harder to displace, but we will be competative with them.
We're a nation of 30million people, with the wealth to pursue these sports and a capitalist "put in the work and see the results" attititude. We're only going to get better.
Own the podium is $89 million ($2.70 per canadian)...it should be closer to $1billion in funding. I can pop an extra $100 to Canadian athletes on my taxes. Put it in as an opt-out levy when you file your taxes...tick this box if you don't want to give $100 to Canadian athletes.
Sending medal table updates to the Americans and Norwegians I know is worth every penny.
