Thank you, Canadian Olympians.
Despite predicted gloom and doom regarding facilities, water quality, displaced citizens and environmental aspects of the Rio Olympics, nothing, it seemed, could dampen the spirit of our Olympians.
In the pool, on the track, in the ring, the trampoline and many other venues, summer Olympians did us all proud.
Unlike select athletes from south of the border, or those who simply cannot step away from religious or political differences within their sport, our athletes performed with grace under pressure – with so many producing personal bests and solid medal performances.
Canadian women, in particular, turned in amazing Games performances – from teenager Penny Oleksiak’s (now recognized across Canada and whose name topped a Google search of the word penny on Aug. 24) four-medal triumph in the pool to Rosie MacLennan’s repeat gold medal on trampoline to our soccer squad’s bronze medal repeat and the rugby sevens capturing bronze in their sport’s inaugural Games appearance, among others.
We would note, though, the disappointing and lingering sexism within the sports/broadcast community. Despite Canadians and other women from around the world turning in stunning performances, there remained old-school, mostly male comments, which demonstrated that bias still needs to be addressed (although not from Canadian commentators).
When a commentator remarks on a female track athlete’s tan lines rather than her performance, there’s a problem. When a commentator remarks on a husband being responsible for a medal-winning swimmer’s result, there’s a problem. When a U.S. newspaper headline trumpets Michael Phelps’ winning a silver, with a subhead of a female swimmer medalling while breaking a world record, there’s a problem.
… we’ll remain hopeful that sexist comments such as the above will continue to lessen over time.
We also have to compliment our athletes for not only turning in top performances, but also for facing the media and addressing their nation even when their result could best be described as crushing.
Canadians who placed in the dreaded fourth-place position, talked to the media. Canadians who had a poor performance by their own standards still talked to the media, and thus to all of us.
If only – if only – mainstream media would now have a greater recognition that our Canadian Olympians don’t just appear every four years to thrill us, summer or winter; they are working, training, recovering from injury, competing, adjusting game plans, altering their lifestyle, looking for financial support …
It’s simply not good enough to have a peaking of interest in the months leading up to Olympic Games. Our Olympians deserve coverage throughout the four-year Olympic cycle.
As things now stand, who doesn’t want to see Oleksiak back in the pool in 2020? Is there anyone who can’t wait to see Andre De Grasse back on the track?
Further, who doesn’t want to see a heavy hitter like Gavin Schmitt hammering away in volleyball as he and his teammates ensured Canada’s return to the Olympics after 24 years?
But Canadians and sports media must realize these athletes need support around the calendar and throughout the four-year Olympic cycle.
Possibly the best thing to come out of the Rio Olympics is the realization by kids and parents alike that there is more to Canadian sports than hockey. Despite our preoccupation with hockey, there is plenty of room in sport for athletes interested in a wide, wide range of activities.
