Own the Podium dream over. That's that's the head line that read in a CBC /  National Post article on Feb. 22 2010 And certainly there has been a lot of talk about Canada's uncharacteristically bold statement and the public declaration of its  Big Hairy Audacious Goal:  To be a world leader in high performance sport. Own the Podium or OTP, quite clearly set its goals for these 2010 Games as follows:

• Place first in the total medal count at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
• Place in the top three in the gold medal count at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

OTP has been for more than a commitment to Athletes is has been our battle cry to the world that we intend to dominate these games.  That's why it was like an elephant left the room when Canadian Olympic Committee CEO, Chris Rudge, said Monday that Canada wasn't going to finish first at these Games.  Our National Pride was beaten and the media attention around it didn't do our top contenders any favors.

But I'd like to take the opportunity of  looking at this program, which is at risk of being unfairly seen as a failure simply because of its own wildly optimistic measure, through a different lens.  I think if we look at the entire context,  we'll see that OTP and our Olympic Team has been a HUGE success.

Limited Time First off, OTP has only been in effect for 5 years and with limited funding of just $117 M.  "The limiting factor here was time," Roger Jackson, the CEO of OTP, said in an interview Friday.   Own the Podium did not have enough time to guide a solid amateur up to international level, he said, and so the spending was focused on athletes who were already "in the system," and especially in sports with an already deep talent pool, such as curling and hockey.

Limited Selection Ratio The other factor that I have never seen acknowledged anywhere is country population and the selection ratio we have to draw from.  Let's put this in perspective and take a look a the populations of Top competing countries in these games.  Here are the Top 10 in Population in order:

• China  1.3 Billion  population,   20 % of world Population
• United States  309 Million  4.5% of world population
• Russia  142 Million   2.1 % of world population
• Japan  127 Million  1.9% of world population
• Germany  82 Million  1.2% of world population
• France  65 Million  .96% of world population
• UK - GBR  62 million  .91% of world population
• Italy  60 Million  .90% of world population
• South Korea  50 Million .73% of world population
• Ukraine 46 Million  .68% of world population

Canada isn't even on the list.  Simply from a population perspective of nations participating in these games  Canada isn't even in the top 10.  For the purposes of this post I'm not going to get into the funding, politicism or retirement incentives that many countries offer its top athletes, I just want to look at the talent pool to draw from. Simply from a selection ratio perspective Canada is at a huge disadvantage with a population of just 34 million.

At the time of this writing Canada is sitting number 3 in total medal count (21) and is sitting in 1st Place for Gold (10) ahead of the USA and Germany (tied at 8).  The games aren't over yet and we are guaranteed at least 3 more medals and are contention for Gold for each.  If you look at the limited time frame of the OTP program, our small population, limited athletic funding, and focus on "athletes already in the system" I think it's a fair statement that OTP has been a Huge Success.

Let's return briefly to the original vision and Mission for OTP:

Vision
For Canada to be a world leader in high-performance sport.

Mission

To lead the development of Canadian sports to achieve sustainable podium performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games

If those were the goals and you look at the results we achieved, I'm proud to scream out  Go Canada!  - We Do Own The Podium!

Keep it up and with a continued commitment to develop and nurture yet undiscovered talent, we will own the podium for many generations to come

Howard Olsen  is President of High Output Training Systems and is one of Canada’s leading sales performance experts . He is on the Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and every year his perspective shifting keynotes and profit producing training programs help thousands of business people and their companies positively impact their bottom lines.  For more information visit high-output.com and HowardOlsen.com Follow Howard on Twitter @howardolsen

Olympic Hockey heats up today with a Canada vs USA showdown. One of the biggest rivalries in international hockey, USA vs Canada looks to be looks to be like one for the ages. The neighboring countries have no love lost when it comes to hockey.

• Team Canada Defeats Switzerland 3-2
• Team USA Roster Built for Gold

The two teams know what's at stake, and the fact that most of the opposing players are teammates in the NHL doesn't make any difference.

The Canadian team holds an obvious advantage in talent and height, but that doesn't mean the US doesn't have a chance in this hockey game. Team Canada struggled against Switzerland, barely escaping with a 3-2 shootout win against the Swiss; the same team the USA beat handedly 3-1.

Don't Have Tickets?  Want to See The Game?

We're showing the game on a 15 Foot Screen this afternoon:

When: Today Sunday Feb 21 4:30

Where: Coastal Church 1160 West Georgia

Cost: FREE

BBQ & Movie Night: Tonight February 19 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Coastal will be hosting BBQ nights on each of the three Fridays over the Olympic period. Guests are invited to come for dinner at an unbeatable price of $5/person and great company! The movie? What better movie than the classic Olympic winner "Cool Runnings".

Cool Runnings is a 1993 comedy film directed by Jon Turteltaub. It is loosely based on the true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team's debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. It stars Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba, Rawle D. Lewis, and John Candy.

When:  Tonight - BBQ at 7:00  Movie Starts at 8:00

Where: Coastal Church Theatre - 1160 West Georgia St.

Cost:  Movie is FREE  -  BBQ is $5 and gets you a Burger or Dog, Pop & a bag of Chips!

Howard Olsen  is President of High Output Training Systems and is one of Canada’s leading sales performance experts . He is on the Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and every year his riveting keynotes and profit producing training programs help thousands of business people and their companies positively impact their bottom lines.  For more information visit high-output.com and HowardOlsen.com Follow Howard on Twitter @howardolsen

Opening Ceremonies On The 15 Foot Screen

One of the great surprise venues offering free Olympic Activities is Coastal Church on Georgia St. beside the Shangri La Hotel.  Coastal has two Slogans: "For People Just Like You" and "Coastal Church Loves Vancouver".  With that in mind Coastal has fully engaged the Olympic Spirit and offeres a host of free activities every day.  With a 600 seat theatre featuring a 15 foot screen, Coastal has become a great facility to watch ceremonies and the games:  You can still experience the games and feel the crowds even if you don't have a ticket.

Daily Activities

Free Coffee From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Coffee Served ... Free Timmy's For Everyone!

Start out the day with a free coffee.  It's so much fun to see people’s surprised faces when you offer them a Free Tim Horton's!    We buy it on Alberni St. and Give it away on Georgia Street ... Why go anywhere else?   Lots of ESL students tourists and business people stopping by taking advantage of a hot drink We’re getting also people noticing that there’s a church in our block teaming with life. Many people stopping by are on their way to work. Volunteers are having fun, though standing in the sun, cold or rain, giving out a smile, and double-doubles.

WI-FI CAFÉ – 10 AM – 2 PM

Need to take a load off ... Looking or a WiFi Connection?  Coastal has been featuring different talented and creative Christian bands/artists from around Canada and the United States. The Coastal Wi-Fi café has become a cozy place with great live music in the afternoon (2 PM). We listened to a group from who came all the way from Indianapolis and played some cover songs.

HOCKEY GAME NIGHT – Canada Vs. Norway – with Special Guest Cindy Klassen!

Cindy Klasen interviewed by Doug Kooy

We cheered on Canada as they scored 8 goals against Norway, winning the game! All on the Big Screen in High Def!

We were excited and privileged to meet Cindy Klassen in person! Doug Kooy interviewed her during the 10 minute intermission! She shared her experiences as an athlete, and how her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Saviour is everything in her life. Great woman of God. She was gracious to stay at the end for few more minutes to take pictures with people. http://www.cindyklassen.com/

HOCKEY GAME NIGHT – Canada Vs. Switzerland at 4:30 PM  - 8:00 PM Tonight

Come and cheer on Canada as they play against the Swiss Hockey Team. Concession stand is open – offering hotdogs, popcorn, chocolate, pops, and chips!

ALPHA EXPRESS Runs 12 – 1 PM Daily

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting.   Alpha has become a worldwide phenomenon, now in 164 countries, where millions of people have come to explore the meaning of life.

At each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life and God is seen as too simple or too hostile... questions like: Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going?

For a complete Line up of Free Events check out the Coastal Olympic Calendar

Howard Olsen  is President of High Output Training Systems and is one of Canada’s leading sales performance experts . He is on the Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and every year his riveting keynotes and profit producing training programs help thousands of business people and their companies positively impact their bottom lines.  More information is available high-output.com and HowardOlsen.com Follow Howard @howardolsen

There is no question that Vancouver is alive an buzzing with more to do than you could shake a stick at.  One of the greatest surprises I've had was over at Quebec House.  Tuesday night we were checking out the pavillions in the Concord Pacific Lands when we heard this amazing full and rich sound coming out of La Belle Province's showcase.

As you enter the space you are greeted by exception French hospitality as you watch 20 foot images from around Montreal and Quebec city projected onto the stage back drop, while over in the kitchen Fairmont Hotel Chefs are dishing out French cuisine like tortiere (the most amazing meat pie you'll ever have).

Up on stage was French performer named Lynda Thalie.  I watched and listened mesmerized by her exotic sound which is fusion of rock, folk and Arabic rhythms.    She's a sensational singer backed by an amazing guitarist and percussionist; these guys know how to frenzy an audience.    During the intermissions Cirque De Soliel styled performances kept us all entertained.

Quebec House dishes up great food, fine entertainment and spirits, it's almost like being there .... I'll be back and suggest you check it out one of these evenings before it's too late.

Howard Olsen  is President of High Output Training Systems and is one of Canada’s leading sales performance experts . He is on the Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and every year his riveting keynotes and relevant training programs help thousands of business people and their companies positively impact their bottom line.  More information is available high-output.com and HowardOlsen.com Follow Howard @howardolsen