Taking it on the chin! Yes, Canadian athletes took the brunt of unfair criticism at the Beijing Olympics. In fact, during the first week of competition, the critics, including the general public, were complaining about a lack of medals.

 

The results sparked controversy throughout our country with inconsiderate Canadians making assertions such as disaster, choke and embarrassing. These comments were short-sighted originating from armchair wanna-bee athletes who lack the co-ordination to hold a beer in one hand and a beef sandwich in the other.

 

Yes, those statements were toned down when Canada accumulated 13 medals over a four day period. It’s a shame that so many people jumped to conclusions without looking at the “big picture”. Based on past history, did they not realize that Canada would be so much stronger in the second half of competition?

 

Instead, Canadians whined, bitched and complained and chose not to applaud terrific performances such as Kamloops shot-putter Dylan Armstrong, who finished a remarkable 4th, a meager centimeter short of a bronze medal. In addition, Oshawa’s Mike Brown fell short of the podium by 0.09 seconds in the 200-metre breaststroke. These (and other) athletes deserved more respect for their efforts.

 

Of course, Canadian athletes strive to win as many medals as possible. However, placing 4th in the world in an event is a remarkable achievement and although there is no medal for this finish, it can be argued that this is not much worse than silver and bronze because second and third, just like 4^th, failed to win.

 

In the end, when one considers that Canadian athletes receive a tiny portion of funding in comparison
to most industrialized countries, their performance has been top notch. If the so called critics want to “bark” about more gold, its time they and the rest of the nation ante up.

 

#

Hands up! Prior to the Olympics, how many of you had heard of Carol Huynh? Okay, if you said yes, how many knew prior to the games she was from Hazelton (approximately 450 Kilometers Northwest of Prince George)?

 

In my mind, Huynh’s victory (Canada first gold in Beijing) represents the Olympic spirit; an underdog from a tiny community in a less glamorous sport, that gets little monetary rewards, yet rises to the top of the podium with a million dollar smile.

 

Huynh is one of five children born to Vietnamese refugees, Viem Huynh and Mai Trinh. The former SFU wrestler now resides in Calgary, but she was raised in Hazelton, and she is darn proud of it. This village can’t help “thump its collective chest”; telling the world, with banners and signs, how Huynh has enthused and re-energized the community.

 

Let’s make no mistake, Huynh did not suddenly emerge on the wrestling scene. She won a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games and has won three world championship medals, taking bronze in 2005, and 2000 and silver in 2001. However, as a first time Olympian, the 27-year-old was a huge underdog going into the championship bout, yet she “manhandled” or shall I say “woman handled” two-time reigning world champion, Chibaru Icho of China in the final of the women’s 48 kg class.

 

The thrill of victory at these Games is not just about American Michael Phelps winning a record eight gold, or Jamaica's Usain Bolt, earning the title as the fastest human on the planet, running to a world record of 9.69 seconds in the 100-metres and another world record of 19.30 seconds in the 200. It is every bit as much the triumph, the joys, and the tears of Carol Huynh and her family. Let us all not forget her roots.

 

 

 

“Michael Phelps has a 12,000-calorie-a-day diet. That's one record he has to share--with John Daly.” Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“A group of kids asked Michael Phelps how to do a better dolphin kick. Phelps replied that that was a question for Bill Parcells.” Bill Littlejohn

“Empty seats at competition venues and empty parks and public squares have been an embarrassment for Olympic organizers in Beijing and a source of frustration for corporate sponsors. VANOC CEO John Furlong and Premier Gordon Campbell say Vancouver won't make the same mistakes in 2010.  Beijing organizers will make sure venues are standing-room-only for the rest of the Games through the use of computer-generated images.” Vancouver comic Torben Rolfsen (www.theprovince.com/liveat5)

 

“The Canadian Olympic Committee is asking the federal government for $30 million a year through 2012 to help implement its Road to Excellence program, so Canada can win more gold medals in London. Wouldn’t it be cheaper and more effective to offer $10 million a year to Michael Phelps to become a Canadian citizen.” Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

“A possible steroids scandal was averted for the Chinese women’s gymnastics team when items taken from their tote bags turned out not to be “the cream” and “the clear.” Instead, the items turned out to be diaper ointment and teething gel.” Janice Hough

 

“Top 3 signs the Olympic gymnast is underage

# 3 When she finishes her routine and sticks a finger in the air it doesn't mean we're # 1 it means I have to pee.

# 2 Pre competition advice includes keeping toes pointed, sticking the landing and not taking candy from strangers.

# 1 Sponsors lining up for endorsements include Gerber's, Pampers and Toys R Us.” 

Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

“With CBS using delays in the PGA to show re-runs of previous Tiger Woods victories it was one of the only tournaments officials have prayed for rain.” Derek Wilken

“A 104 year old man wants to throw out the first pitch at a playoff game at Wrigley Field. No one even knew John McCain was a Cubs fan.” Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)