Some Olympic Impressions

We're near the half-way point of these Olympics. A few random Olympically-inspired observations....

Margin of Error - Over lunch today, was watching Men's Super G where the gap between first and eight place (presently - event is not yet complete) is 0.49 seconds on a time of 1.30.34. The fourth place finisher is .02 seconds behind the current bronze medal position. The results of winning a medal in terms of prestige and subsequent financial rewards are huge, while the fourth and eighth place finishers will soon be forgotten. I am thankful that the margin between success and failure in my chosen occupation rarely depends on 2/9000 of a gap.

International Games Coverage - For the past few days, we have been treated to the Canadian media paranoia about our international reputation, giving more coverage to the British coverage of the games than I think is deserved. (This morning's Gazette piece puts a bit more balance and perspective on the issue. I had reason to make various business-related calls in the past few days to acquaintances across the United States and each on their own prompted the conversation with positive comments about the Olympics, suggesting to me the American coverage must be more favourable.) Quite apart from what others are saying (or not) about us, it does betray something of our Canadian paranoia and lack of international self-confidence in that the concern about how others perceive us is almost as important as the event itself.

Olympics bring Whiners as Well as Winners - So there was not enough French at the opening ceremonies and the Language Commissioner needs to investigate .Edmonton is upset because the Calgary Stampede is getting more prominent play at the Alberta House at the games. The security fence around the Olympic cauldron is obstructing the view for taking pictures. There seems to be several stories a day from someone who is offended that some aspect of these games are not fitting their particular agenda or expectation. I have resolved for the rest of these Olympics to try and ignore the whiners, and instead spend the limited time I have available for these Olympics focusing on the winners (which in my mind, are most of the athletes.)

Hockey Hiccups - My Canadian roots mean that while I try to maintain a rational approach to sports, rationality goes out of the window when it comes to our expectations of our hockey team. Realistically, there are half a dozen teams (including Canada) that could win a medal, meaning there are at least three teams (including Canada) that could be disappointed. Canada remains the country with the most hockey talent (in my opinion) but the way that would be demonstrated is in a tournament with each country required to put together two or three teams. While the top teams of 20 or so players from each country are competitive, there is little doubt in my mind that in a tournament of the second teams from each country, the Canadian team would be much better positioned and in a tournament of third teams, we would be prohibitive favourites. But that (and 1.40) buys you a Tim Hortons coffee and is really quite irrelevant to the Olympic tournament (except to provide advance perspective to counter those who will use any Olympic defeat as evidence of the failure of Canadian hockey.)

The game between Canada and Switzerland last night was actually an interesting and entertaining game and while most were surprised it went to a shoot-out, I much prefer the tension of a close game to a blow-out. I suppose my hockey senses must be taken with a grain of salt given the fact that since my childhood, I have rooted for a team with a Maple Leaf on their jersey. I suppose that has conditioned me for disappointment and to celebrate the game more than the result. That won't stop me from rooting patriotically and feeling disappointment if Canada does anything other than win hockey gold, but keeping perspective is important -- even when it involves Canada's national obsession.