Day Five...and still not a single medal.
Azerbaijan (yeah...I haven't heard of Azerbaijan either) is 12th overall in the standings, ahead of countries such as France, Spain, Brazil, and the tied for last place Canadians. How is this possible?
What drives Olympic athletes to go for the gold? Is it pride for their country? Is it self-satisfaction? Fame? Fortune?
One thing's for sure—Canadian summer athletes are clearly not at the same level as the Chinese and the Americans. There are many factors as to why this is the case, and it all starts with the question of who actually cares about these athletes.
Do Canadian citizens really care about them? Do Canadians feel angry that some of their tax dollars have resulted in no medals in five days of competition? Does the government care? One could argue that the Canadian government stiffs Olympic athletes and that more money should be put into the program.
Are you aware though that the U.S.A. does not fund their Olympic athletes? The major corporations in the states are the ones supporting Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Bode Miller, and others.
These athletes receive top notch training, and at the end of the day, they are getting PAID. Bring home the gold! You are getting PAID times TWO! That's capitalism, baby.
Now, China is a different story. In a totalitarian state, sport is an art utilized to display physical superiority. The Chinese are a very proud race. They're hosting the Olympics. You get the point.
As a Canadian, I just don't see the same type of pride from our everyday citizens (as compared to the Chinese). Nor do I see relevant Canadian companies trying to work with our athletes (Tim Horton's, Bell, y'all are a-okay).
As for the government, are they just waiting to throw their chips all in for Vancouver 2010?
Hate me if you want, but I am one of those who could care less. It's my hopeless type of attitude that is probably instilled in those who should care for the benefit of the athletes.
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