“Schneider conceded he expected more medals than Montgomery’s gold. Perhaps at least two more from among Hollingsworth, Amy Gough and Jeff Pain. Schneider said pressure from Own the Podium left some of his athletes “insecure … (from) all this pressure from outside. There was huge pressure.”

But Montgomery insists he never felt stressed.

“I’m not downplaying it, I really didn’t feel pressure from Canadians, from Own the Podium, from anybody. I viewed it as I had an immense amount of support,” he said.”

The whole article can be found at http://olympics.thestar.com/2010/article/769062–jon-montgomery-is-the-life-of-whistler-s-party

I would also like to point out that it is likely due to the Own the Podium progamme that Canada is doing so well in the medal standings. I’m pretty sure we have never done this well before (that is a challenge to someone to prove me wrong, if I am).

I think that we can win, and want to win, and still be considered nice people. They are not mutually exclusive.

There’s a different feeling in these Vancouver Olympics, a sense of more Nationalistic pride, a sense of expectation. It’s something I haven’t experienced at any other Olympics. Could it be that Canada’s humble nature is starting to change?

Now, Brian Williams has seen a sporting event or two more than I have to be sure, so I thought it interesting that he sensed a change. There was certainly a different tone to the media promoting the games as it approached… Building anticipation sure, but also building expectation.

Though I hope that our athletes continue to get the type of support that Own the Podium brings to the table, I hope that as Canadians we never loose the essence of what Dana and Chris are talking about.

I think it’s great to aspire and shoot for #1, and I think it’s awesome that we’re starting to take that goal more seriously, but as Chris put it, I think the ability to “shut the score clock off, and go have a drink” is something distinctly Canadian.

My 2 cents… Canada’s “Own The Podium” is a great program that provides great support for extraordinary people to perfect their abilities and potential to become #1. Dealing with pressure is one part of the training and when they master it, they become that much closer to being perfect and taking that #1 position.

I am proud of what the Canadian program produces. As witnessed last week alone, it is partly responsible for helping 5 Canadians become the best in the world at what they do. Canada is a small country with a high percentage of ‘Best in The World People’… and as a proud and loyal Canadian, I support any program that supports that. What the media and marketing does to promote, excite and evoke response (positive or negative) is entertainment. And it does just that – entertains, inspires and disappoints me… but it does not distract me from the true origin and roots of things that are good.