Comedian Stephen Colbert is at the Winter Olympics as “Assistant Sports Psychologist” to the U.S. Speed Skating Team. As well as a colour commentator for NBC.
Stephen’s personal philsophy is clearly stated on his personal poster.
Where I live in Canada there’s controversy regarding our “OWN THE PODIUM” program.
That’s a 5yr, $120 million fund created to put Canada first in medals won at the Vancouver Olympics. And in the top 3 in Paralympics.
Canadian athletes in the past, famously, have been gracious in defeat. Garnering more than our share of 4th and 5th place finishes. It’s about time we made it clear that our athletes are not “tourists”, as Dick Pound once called them.
Canadian athletes praise Own The Podium. And so do I.
I disagree with most of the complaints I’ve heard against Own The Podium. The only serious accusation is that the organizing committee scheduled too little practice time for foreign athletes at the competition venues. The Canadians got a lot more time, I hear. If so, the IOC needs change the rules.
GEM posted a couple of links relative to the story of the luger who died on a training run. Here’s one:
Kumaritashvili had just 26 practice runs, as opposed to the 200 for the Canadians
Be sure to read all the details before jumping to any conclusion.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 