Nice guys finish ... well, not first, anyway

I'm as disappointed as the next Canadian about our Olympic team's recent performance. But I'm more disappointed in the comments and attitudes of Canadians who've been quoted criticizing our athletes. "Unfocused," or, "lacking commitment," seem to be among the most common complaints.

I think that's not only too simplistic an explanation, it's also completely disrespectful of our Olympic competitors, who've spent the last four years—or a lifetime—preparing for this chance to shine. "We need to spend more money," is another suggestion. I've heard that grants and allowances for athletes are often inadequate, but again, this alone cannot be the sole explanation.

Some of you may disagree with me, but I think the problem runs deeper than a lack of dedication or funding. I believe something bigger underlies the issue. When you look at the Olympics—and the winter Olympics especially—you see mostly individual sports. Granted, there are team events with smaller or larger groups depending on the sport, but for the most part, it's an area of individual performance. There's nothing wrong with celebrating individuality, so please don't think that I'm against it. However, there is something in that individual essence of the games that goes against the 'Canadian grain' at a fundamental level.

Take our neighbours to the south, who always seem to come away with the lion's share of hardware at any games. Look at the phrase that is associated with the founding ideals of that nation: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. It sounds like a statement very compatible with individual competition and achievement. Now, here is Canada's founding vision: Peace, Order and Good Government. Does that sound a little less individualistic, and more cooperation-friendly? Of course it does.

Now, those who disagreed with me earlier might still suggest that this has nothing to do with the Olympics and that they are just words written on outdated relics of history. I don't think so. These two excerpts speak to the very heart of our nations and to the things we hold most dear. How can they not affect who we are and what we've become?

When people think of the United States—whatever they may dislike—they envision the competitive nature and outspoken attitude that the majority of its citizens exhibit. Many Americans are unapologetic about that and when it comes to the Olympics, and competition in general, I believe that's a real advantage for them. What characteristics do most people associate with Canadians? Peacemaking, manners, and a tendency to collective thinking, to name but a few. (I also think there's a connection between this 'team oriented' thinking and our status as a hockey power, but that's an issue for another blog). These traits are nothing to be ashamed of and as a Canadian, I'm proud that people think this way about us. However, can we have it both ways? Can we be a nation of people who, at their core, believe in cooperation, unity, and acceptance of all, while at the same time striving to be among the leaders in feats of individualism, competition and personal achievement?

I believe, that for a nation our size, Canada does just fine. And we are respected as we go about our business, whether that's speaking on international rights or competing in the Olympic Winter Games. Why would we need to own a simple podium when we own the rights to such a highly esteemed and honourable nation?