Criticism of Australia’s performance at the London Olympic Games is being misunderstood by some.
It is not the athletes who are in the firing line, they are being praised for their performances.
It is, however, the system which is being severely criticised because it is evident it has let both the athletes and the country down badly.
It is likely the London Games will produce Australia’s worst medal tally result since Seoul in 1988.
After being one of the major gold medal winning nations at the past three Olympic Games, Australia’s performance on this occasion is nowhere near its best.
Comments such as those by Australian of the Year and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush have validity but they miss the point about Australia’s performance.
Mr Rush said support for our Olympic athletes should not hinge on whether they win gold in London. His is right on that point.
He also warned success should also not be judged by awards and pointed out what was important was for athletes to be striving for excellence.
The criticism which has erupted, and which continues to build, is not about the personal performances of individual athletes. It is evident they have all done the best they can, but when so many of our elite athletes in a multitude of different disciplines fall short of being the best in the world, it is reasonable to ask what has changed?
Four, eight and 12 years ago our athletes were achieving better outcomes on the world stage.
Kevan Gosper, Australia’s most senior member of the International Olympic Committee, says the answer is investing more money in the Olympic disciplines.
The success of the Great Britain team at these Olympics is evidence of what money can buy. A national lottery was established to fund the Olympic sports and it has achieved its goal.
Head of the Australian Olympic
Committee, John Coates, says there needs to be a greater emphasis on sport in schools as a means to provide the trigger for budding athletes. Greater participation will identify more potential stars.
Yesterday Australia sat in 24th spot on the medal tally. The day before it was 19th.
While the distance between first and second has been minor in many cases, it is that little bit extra which makes all the difference.
And that is what is lacking in our elite sports programs. That little bit extra is more money.
It is not the athletes who are in the firing line, they are being praised for their performances.
It is, however, the system which is being severely criticised because it is evident it has let both the athletes and the country down badly.
It is likely the London Games will produce Australia’s worst medal tally result since Seoul in 1988.
After being one of the major gold medal winning nations at the past three Olympic Games, Australia’s performance on this occasion is nowhere near its best.
Comments such as those by Australian of the Year and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush have validity but they miss the point about Australia’s performance.
Mr Rush said support for our Olympic athletes should not hinge on whether they win gold in London. His is right on that point.
He also warned success should also not be judged by awards and pointed out what was important was for athletes to be striving for excellence.
The criticism which has erupted, and which continues to build, is not about the personal performances of individual athletes. It is evident they have all done the best they can, but when so many of our elite athletes in a multitude of different disciplines fall short of being the best in the world, it is reasonable to ask what has changed?
Four, eight and 12 years ago our athletes were achieving better outcomes on the world stage.
Kevan Gosper, Australia’s most senior member of the International Olympic Committee, says the answer is investing more money in the Olympic disciplines.
The success of the Great Britain team at these Olympics is evidence of what money can buy. A national lottery was established to fund the Olympic sports and it has achieved its goal.
Head of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates, says there needs to be a greater emphasis on sport in schools as a means to provide the trigger for budding athletes. Greater participation will identify more potential stars.
Yesterday Australia sat in 24th spot on the medal tally. The day before it was 19th.
While the distance between first and second has been minor in many cases, it is that little bit extra which makes all the difference.
And that is what is lacking in our elite sports programs. That little bit extra is more money.