Don't Count on me to Check the Medal Standings

With the Blue Jays evaluating their pitching depth, the Leafs not having dropped a game in over a week (season record), and the Raptors standing pat at the trade deadline, my concentration has shifted to the Olympics.

I have to say, I'm disappointed at all this pressure being placed on our Canadian athletes to "Own the Podium" and our desire to top the Americans in the overall medal standings.

Sure, it would be nice to beat the Americans, but what's the big deal if we don't? Doesn't it count that our athletes are preforming at the top of their games and we've been blessed with nine days of superb athleticism? Isn't it humbling to hear the stories of athletes such as Alex Biladou and Jon Montgomery make it to the top of the podium, without having to be constantly reminded that "we've lost a medal we were guaranteed at winning"?

Firstly, nothing's a guarantee; that's why the races are run. Secondly, how can we be expected to be at the top when we just don't have the numbers to do it.

Using a salary-cap-esque analysis, Canada's population is roughly 34 million compared to that of the U.S. at 330 million. Obviously, the Americans are drawing from a much larger talent pool. Secondly, the American investment in their sports is at least 10 times more than what we invest, so much so that their athletes are heavily subsidized by the government and private sponsors to make training a job. While that is to say that the Canadian government is not doing their share, proportionately, we cannot even compete with American investment.

All I'm asking is for is to be proud of our athletes achievements thus far in the Olympics without worrying about whether we medal or not. Be proud for all the athletes, athletes such as skiier Eric Guay, who "wasn't expected to do much", yet has finished 5th place in both the downhill and the Super G - personal bests for Guay at the Olympics.

Stop handicapping our chances at medals for every single event, such as today's woman's 1500 metre speed-skating event, where Canada "could win multiple medals". I'm sick of hearing the analysts open their broadcasts with "...and this event is where Canada is not expected to win a medal." How many casual viewers would just groan and change the channel so as to not waste their time watching another hopeless event.

Let's just watch the events, cheer for our athletes, and count on them to give the performance on their lives.