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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 14, 2004 17:09:34 GMT -5
I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies folks. There was an enormous amount of practice and coordination that went into it and I thought it was great.
However, what are the Olympics without controversy? Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou who were favourites to bring home medals to their country, have just been suspended for not showing up for their drug tests. I'm used to be a strong supporter of track and field, but it's hard to watch now knowing that the best in the world are, more often than not, assisted by HGH or steroids. Still, it won't stop me from watching the sprints and middle-distance events.
On the positive side, there looks as if there will be a new dominant swimmer in the pool to challenge Auzzie swimmer, Ian Thorpe. His name is Michael Phelps and he's touted as the real deal. Should be great to watch anyway.
Cheers.
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Post by franko on Aug 14, 2004 19:31:56 GMT -5
Phelps has been placed on an eighth team so that he can challenge Mark Spitz's record of 7 golds in one Olympics. That should be good for ratings! otoh, wasn't there an SNL sketch about the all-steriods Olympics? We may be closer than we think. ![:'(](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cry.png)
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 15, 2004 19:57:57 GMT -5
Notes from 15 August - The US Olympic "Dream Team" lost 92-73 today to Puerto Rico. Wow!
- Anyone care to guess who the General Manager is for Canada's Olympic Men's baseball team is? Ex-Blue Jay, Ernie Whitt. By the way, Canada defeated Tiawan 7-0.
- I was watching Canada's Women's gymnastics team earlier today. The did alright by international standards, but what stuck out most for me were the amount of empty seats.
- The Canadian Men's Eight lost to the USA in rowing. It was their first major setback since 2002.
- The Canadian Women's Softball team lost 2-0 to host country, Greece.
Cheers.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 16, 2004 18:22:01 GMT -5
Notes from 15 August - The US Olympic "Dream Team" lost 92-73 today to Puerto Rico. Wow!
- Anyone care to guess who the General Manager is for Canada's Olympic Men's baseball team is? Ex-Blue Jay, Ernie Whitt. By the way, Canada defeated Tiawan 7-0.
- I was watching Canada's Women's gymnastics team earlier today. The did alright by international standards, but what stuck out most for me were the amount of empty seats.
- The Canadian Men's Eight lost to the USA in rowing. It was their first major setback since 2002.
- The Canadian Women's Softball team lost 2-0 to host country, Greece.
Cheers. The Dream Team has a ton of talent and an ounce of commitment. Individual stars lose to highly motivated team play. Can anybody spell "KOVALEV"?
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Post by franko on Aug 16, 2004 20:00:14 GMT -5
The Dream Team has a ton of talent and an ounce of commitment. Individual stars lose to highly motivated team play. Can anybody spell "KOVALEV"? We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Habs fans seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?--Is he in hell? And will he play at Centre Bell?
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Aug 17, 2004 5:27:54 GMT -5
We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Habs fans seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?--Is he in hell? And will he play at Centre Bell? That damn'd elusive KovalevI've only caught bits and pieces of the Games thus far. My favourite video bite from yesterday was watching Canadian Benoit gaudet masterfully despatch the 1996 gold medalist in his weight class. Very impressive. And how about these tiny women weightlifters? 5'2 and 120lbs hoisting more than double their weight! You can call me Al.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 17, 2004 11:48:51 GMT -5
- I saw the Gaudet fight as well and it was entertaining. Unusual, given the corruptness in previous Olympic sports where judges make the call.
- Is Ian Thorpe the real deal or what? His size-17 feet kicked in and the race was over. I really didn't think it was fair putting all that pressure on 18-year-old Micheal Phelps. Comaring the youngster to Mark Spitz might have been too much for him. Still, bronze isn't bad at all.
- Canada goes to 3-0 in baseball.
- Marie Helene Chisholm finished fifth overall in women's judo, but it was the best showing ever by a Canadian woman.
- I'd like to see how this situation pans out for the Greek sprinters.
- Still can't believe how many empty seats there are in the stands.
Cheers.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Aug 17, 2004 12:20:04 GMT -5
Why is Ron Maclean wearing Don Cherry's hand-me-downs?
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Post by franko on Aug 17, 2004 15:54:50 GMT -5
No one can afford the tickets!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 18, 2004 7:37:16 GMT -5
I don't think the Athens Olympics are turning out the way the organizers thought it would. - Greek sprinters and national heros Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou have withdrawn from the Olypmics. And, it all stems from not showing up for a doping control test. If they had problems selling tickets before this sure won't help things any.
- Ron MacLean pulling off his "Waylin Smithers" routine.
- Greek television stations are now running commercials that attempt to make their folk feel it a responsibility to attend the games.
Sigh! I still watching them though. Cheers.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 19, 2004 11:17:52 GMT -5
Why is Ron Maclean wearing Don Cherry's hand-me-downs? Don Cherry would be an excellent Olympics commentator. I can visualize him criticizing a 14 year old female olympic gymnast who performs a perfect routine on the uneven bars only to take a 1 millimeter step on her landing; "She's a chicken-ship sweede!"
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Post by duster on Aug 19, 2004 11:41:47 GMT -5
As of this writing, I can't say I'm impressed with Canada's performance at these games. One bronze medal so far. To think that some predicted the country would do better this time around.
I think the lack of funding for athletes is having its effect. Look at Australia as a comparison. They have a well funded program and it shows.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 20, 2004 10:11:59 GMT -5
As of this writing, I can't say I'm impressed with Canada's performance at these games. One bronze medal so far. To think that some predicted the country would do better this time around. I think the lack of funding for athletes is having its effect. Look at Australia as a comparison. They have a well funded program and it shows. You're right duster. The Australian athletes have benefited from the Australian Institute of Sport. After that was formed, Australian athletes became more of a force internationally. Their performances just got better and better. We've even lost one of our most celebrated swimmers-turned-coach, Alex Bauman. He now lives in Brisbain and moved to work in the Australian swimming program. He left mainly because of the lack of funding that prevent Canadian Athletes getting the training they needed to compete internationally. We also lost Lennox Lewis to Great Britain. Again, Lewis couldn't get the funding to seriously train for the heavyweight title. It was hard watching him on "Sky Sports" representing GB and making commercials for English TV. But, he got the funding he needed and became a national hero there. Moving away from the Olympics, I remember reading about Grandmaster (Chess) Kevin Spraggett and the problems he had getting even coporate sponsorship. Though Canadian, Spraggett now lives in Portugal. I believe, but not certain, that his wife is a reknown Portugese chess player as well. However, the point it, our Olympic athletes aren't the only ones requiring funding. Funding, or lack of funding nowadays, is an ongoing problem in Canada. Cheers.
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Post by franko on Aug 20, 2004 11:20:48 GMT -5
lack of funding nowadays, is an ongoing problem in Canada. I must DISagree. The problem is not a lack of funding, it is a lack of properly directed funding. Just think of all of the advertising companies that were funded in the last few years, for example; the gun registry, the . . .
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 20, 2004 11:37:31 GMT -5
I must DISagree. The problem is not a lack of funding, it is a lack of properly directed funding. Just think of all of the advertising companies that were funded in the last few years, for example; the gun registry, the . . . Well, at least we agree that funding, however, you wish to define it, is a problem in Canada. I agree with your gun registry example, franko. You also might want to consider the odd missing $100 million here and there under the present government. That's rather political I admit, but the Olympics have become extremely political in recent years too. Cheers (I mean sigh!)
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Aug 20, 2004 12:03:23 GMT -5
One of Life's truisms, but most of the time you get what you pay for.
On a brighter note: How about the women's water polo comeback against the Americans!? Wowsers! Down 2-5 with 5 minutes to play. 4 unanswered goals to win 6-5. Great clutch goalkeeping as well. Doesn't get any better than that.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 20, 2004 14:37:48 GMT -5
As of this writing, I can't say I'm impressed with Canada's performance at these games. One bronze medal so far. To think that some predicted the country would do better this time around. I think the lack of funding for athletes is having its effect. Look at Australia as a comparison. They have a well funded program and it shows. I think it's like paying before production. Once an athlete has shown him/herself worthy of support the government should pitch in, but spreading around lots of money for lazy or undeserving athletes is not the answer. It's like when every player on every team gets a trophy. How much money does Trinidad spend on their swimming program, or Sweeden Roumania or a lot of countries ahead of us in the medal count? Higher taxes for the pleasure of watching someone finish seventh in an event is not my priority. Certainly not paying higher taxes every year to watch the charade every fourth year. How exciting is it to see a Canadian female canoeist paddle into the wrong lane? Most of the Track & Field money would go to the Canadian province with the most athletes represented, the province of Jamaica.
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Post by PTH on Aug 20, 2004 18:57:46 GMT -5
We aren't doing well in the Olympics.
Why should I care ?
I'd rather see the money invested in general-population sports, which actually make a difference to the real population. More municipal pools and gymns with longer hours.
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Post by UberCranky on Aug 22, 2004 10:47:51 GMT -5
The problem with you guys is that you don't have ANY parallel thinking. Sprinters want money? No problem, they can have as much money as they need by just sprinting and taking it off the back tail…..of a Porsche. Wrestlers want more money? Great, go and get it from the back of the grizzly den. Weight lifters want more money for testosterone? Just ask Ben Johnson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You know what I am tired off? I am tired of SOME of our athletes attitude. When I hear, “I did my personal best”, well little one, that means NOTHING. Every athlete goes to the Olympics to WIN metals and be THE WORLDS BEST, not just show up and “get the experience” or look in the mirror for their morning affirmations. "I'm good enough, I'm Canadian enough, and doggon it, I deserve a metal". Since WHEN did they okay the Stuart Smalley dopping? I must of missed the memo. ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png)
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Aug 22, 2004 11:55:17 GMT -5
Advocating criminal activity?
Gain the world and lose your soul?
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Post by franko on Aug 22, 2004 13:37:37 GMT -5
You know what I am tired off? I am tired of SOME of our athletes attitude. When I hear, “I did my personal best”, well little one, that means NOTHING. Every athlete goes to the Olympics to WIN metals and be THE WORLDS BEST, not just show up and “get the experience” or look in the mirror for their morning affirmations. "I'm good enough, I'm Canadian enough, and doggon it, I deserve a metal". Reminds me of the This Hour Has 22 Minutes A Part of Our Heritage sketch, in which a Canadian Olympic runner gets passed in his race and winds up in fourth place: fourth is good. The voice-over: Canada's proud Olympic athletes-just missing the medals for centuries past and centuries to come. [edit] The voice-over may have talked about being pretty good rather than just missing hte medals. Whatever -- same difference -- it's like people saying that Canada is nice or that someone has a good personality. Too often we're content with being second best or almost being good enough. Except in hockey -- tears'll flow if we don't with the World Cup!
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 23, 2004 18:29:59 GMT -5
We aren't doing well in the Olympics. Why should I care ? I'd rather see the money invested in general-population sports, which actually make a difference to the real population. More municipal pools and gymns with longer hours. Somebody in Greece was scrambling to find a copy of the Canadian national anthem.
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Post by Montrealer on Aug 23, 2004 23:10:37 GMT -5
We aren't doing well in the Olympics. Why should I care ? I'd rather see the money invested in general-population sports, which actually make a difference to the real population. More municipal pools and gymns with longer hours. Actually, the two usually go hand in hand. Superior facilities available to the general public allow the young exposure to various sports - which inevitably leads to a healthier, more athletic population that pursues these sports with vigour. Eventually, Olympic results will follow simply due to the overall improvement in sports facilities throughout the nation. The problem is those bureaucrats that have always seen the issue as an either-or proposition; an integrated sports policy for everybody would be far more effective.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 24, 2004 2:48:21 GMT -5
Just wondering?
Am I the only person watching the womans Beach Volleyball, US vs US, waiting for a "Costume Malfunction"? There was more hugging after each point than there was at city hall in San Francisco before same sex marriages were again outlawed. Does Canada really need to spend taxpayer money to support the olympic movement? How many Canadiens are losing sleep over the poor showing by olympic athletes thus far of extatic over the two golds. $200,000,000 well spent? I'd rather see the money go to sports programs for the general public in public schools. Support for athletes who meet Olympic standards and have a legitimate chance to medal is warranted, but sending a huge team to pick up a lot of 16th place finishes makes no $en$e.
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Post by BadCompany on Aug 24, 2004 7:15:07 GMT -5
Actually, the two usually go hand in hand. Superior facilities available to the general public allow the young exposure to various sports - which inevitably leads to a healthier, more athletic population that pursues these sports with vigour. Eventually, Olympic results will follow simply due to the overall improvement in sports facilities throughout the nation. The problem is those bureaucrats that have always seen the issue as an either-or proposition; an integrated sports policy for everybody would be far more effective. Trickle down effect. In 1988, Sports Canada Funding was set at $86 million per year. By 1995-96, that funding had dropped to $48 million. Sports Canada doesn't just fund Olympic athletes; they fund, as their name suggests, Sports in Canada. The more money pumped into sports, the more people will participate in sports, and the more elite level athletes you will uncover. No surprise that the generation that was 10-15 years old at the time of the lowest funding is now the 18-25 year olds we see at the Olympics. Funding, by the way, is back up to about $95 million. That's good, but its still only at pre-1990 levels, and it still has a long way to go, if we expect decent showings in Vancouver in 2010. I believe the head of the Vancouver Olympic Committee has said that $120 million, minimum, is needed per year, for any chance at respectability. Just wondering? Am I the only person watching the womans Beach Volleyball, US vs US, waiting for a "Costume Malfunction"? There was more hugging after each point than there was at city hall in San Francisco before same sex marriages were again outlawed. Does Canada really need to spend taxpayer money to support the olympic movement? How many Canadiens are losing sleep over the poor showing by olympic athletes thus far of extatic over the two golds. $200,000,000 well spent? I'd rather see the money go to sports programs for the general public in public schools. Support for athletes who meet Olympic standards and have a legitimate chance to medal is warranted, but sending a huge team to pick up a lot of 16th place finishes makes no $en$e. Well, its not $200 million, its less than a $100 million. And Canada this year sent one of its smallest contingents ever, in an effort to only send athletes with a chance at a medal, or at least a decent finish. While we haven't won much, we haven't finished last in anything either, and that's because we haven't sent the "just happy to be here" types. Also, there seems to be a lot of hand-wringing going on in the Canadian public and press these days, and it would appear that a few people at least are losing sleep over it. But, Canada as a nation has to decide whether it wants to be a sporting nation, or not. Because it takes money to be a sporting nation, and merely hoping that our atheletes can "overcome all" isn't going to do it. We have to start pumping money into all levels of sports, and hope that in 10 years or so it pays off.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 25, 2004 12:13:05 GMT -5
Well, its not $200 million, its less than a $100 million. And Canada this year sent one of its smallest contingents ever, in an effort to only send athletes with a chance at a medal, or at least a decent finish. While we haven't won much, we haven't finished last in anything either, and that's because we haven't sent the "just happy to be here" types. Also, there seems to be a lot of hand-wringing going on in the Canadian public and press these days, and it would appear that a few people at least are losing sleep over it. But, Canada as a nation has to decide whether it wants to be a sporting nation, or not. Because it takes money to be a sporting nation, and merely hoping that our atheletes can "overcome all" isn't going to do it. We have to start pumping money into all levels of sports, and hope that in 10 years or so it pays off. If the athlete wins an olympic medal and goes on to get fat endorsement contracts and TV commentator cheques, does he/she give back the money they make? No! he/she wasn't a cleaver way to start a debate about testosterone, drugs, or sexual orientation. I'm not that smart! ![:-[](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/embarrassed.png)
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Post by seventeen on Aug 28, 2004 12:35:49 GMT -5
Trickle down effect. In 1988, Sports Canada Funding was set at $86 million per year. By 1995-96, that funding had dropped to $48 million. Another legacy for Mr. Chretien. Did he make any good decisions in his 11 years except for staying out of Iraq? The trickle down effect goes beyond actual dollars. We need heroes, people who ignite a spark in others to get off the couch and do something. I heard an editorial on CBC radio where the speaker, a minister of some church or other, advocated putting money only into the general population. No wisdom there. Give the general population money directly and they'll just buy more potato chips. The battle has to be won in the mind, in the desire to do something active and having heroes and legends is a great answer to that. We need to hire good coaches, good administrators (hopefully fewer ones) and fund athletes so they don't have to train after they get off work from McDonald's. That, to me, is our greatest shame. Expecting part time amateurs to compete against subsidized professionals. That's a generalization, of course, as a few of our elite athletes can train full time....but very few of them.
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Post by seventeen on Aug 28, 2004 12:37:35 GMT -5
If the athlete wins an olympic medal and goes on to get fat endorsement contracts and TV commentator cheques, does he/she give back the money they make? We get repaid in the strut and boost to our ego when our athletes win. They're Canadians and winners, ergo, so are we. It's worth it.
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