Own the Podium
Encyclopedia
Podium Canada, or more commonly Own the Podium, is a Canadian
umbrella sport technical program launched in January 2005 (before the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.) Originally created as Own the Podium - 2010 to prepare Canadian athletes to reach medal finishes at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
, the program has since expanded to include a division for summer sports as well, known as Road to Excellence. The program interim CEO is Alex Baumann.
it hosted (the 1976 Summer Olympics
in Montreal
and the 1988 Winter Olympics
in Calgary
)—becoming the only country to have hosted multiple Olympic Games without winning a gold medal at home—the Canadian Olympic Committee
has pledged to make Canada the top medal winning nation at 2010 when Canada hosts the Olympic Games for the third time. The COC's program was inspired by the USOC
, which had previously regarded the Winter Olympics as the "Forgotten Games", but then changed strategies and improved sponsorship of winter sports, and this led the USA to great medal successes at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics
.
The determination to boost Canada's performance came just months after Canada's 13 winter national sport federations, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Sport Canada
, the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
(VANOC) met in Calgary
in February 2004 to discuss their goals for the 2010 Games.
Based on the principles and framework developed at the meeting, the COC contracted an independent consultant to analyze the sport projections, provide recommendations on changes and resources required, and determine if the goals were achievable. Cathy Priestner Allinger was selected to perform this study who recruited experts in sport and sport systems. The final report was submitted to the partners later that year. A subcommittee called the Own the Podium Steering Committee was then created to manage the implementation of the report's recommendations.
A 2006 survey indicated that almost 3 out of 4 Canadians approved of the goals set in the program, and that nearly 70% of them say it is important for Canada to be a top medal finisher in 2010.
The 13 winter national sport federations included:
In 2006, the Canadian government announced the creation of Podium Canada, an umbrella body for the Own the Podium - 2010 (OTP) and Road to Excellence (RTE) sport programs. While OTP focuses on winter sports, RTE's vision and strategy is for Canadian teams to improve their performance at the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in 2008 and 2012.
The report analyzed Canada's potential to be the top medal winner at 2010, which concluded that Canada in fact has the potential to reach its goal given a new approach to sport delivery. The report called for support by the federal government and sport leaders in Canada as well as a $21-million annual increase in funding for winter sports over the next five years, spending $118 million. The report found that Canada has the talent in certain sport disciplines to increase the number of potential medallists to 211 for 2010. To achieve the goal of approximately 35 medals, the projected first place finish in 2010, a 50% success rate for the potential medallists would be necessary. The program also aims to improve Canada's success rate through increased preparation, technology, research and development, and human performance research.
The report predicted that without implementation of the recommended measures, Canada could only be expected to win 17 medals in 2006 and 16 medals in 2010.
ing nation in the world by 2010 — when Canada would host the Winter Olympics. This achievement would be measured by whether Canada becomes the top medal-winning nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
in Vancouver
and Whistler
, and places in the top three at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games
. To achieve the goals of 2010, the focus of the program was to provide additional resources and high performance programming to Canadian athletes, coaches and support personnel.
The first three years of the program focused on the development of sport organizations; coaches and leaders; and programs for the athletes.
The remaining two seasons will focus on training at the 2010 venues and competing in international events. This will familiarize athletes and coaches with the sporting venues and prepare them for top level competition conditions.
has been the first litmus test of the program's effectiveness. The program has been credited for the success of Canada at the 2006 Games
despite its short existence. The COC
had set a goal of 25 medals and a top three medal standing for Canada in the 2006 Games, in part considering the increased funding and resources as a result of the program. By the end of the 2006 Games, Canadian athletes achieved the country's best ever medal performance in the Winter Games by winning 24 medals, and Canada placed third in terms of total medals.
The program has been credited for the success of Canadian winter athletes in the 2007-2008 season of World Cup and World Championship competitions. Forty-nine more World Cup event medals were won than in the previous 2006-2007 season. Together with medals won in Paralympic sports, Canada led in medals among all contending nations.
and speed skating
(especially men's long track and short track). At the same time, the USA
was the runaway leader in total medals, achieving many of their medals in Alpine skiing. (The United States went on to win 37 total medals, the most of any country at a single Winter Olympics.) However, over the next six days, Canada broke a series of gold medals records at a single Winter Olympics.
On February 27, the second to last day of these Games, the eleventh gold medal competition awarded to a member of the Canadian delegation surpassed the former record of ten gold medals awarded to any host country's team at the Winter Olympics. (previous record of 10 was set by both Norway in 1994
and the United States in 2002
.) Canada became the first host nation to finish on top of the gold medal count since Norway in 1952
. That was also a record three gold medals from the Winter Games on Day 16 for Canada. The next day, Sidney Crosby
, the captain of the defending Stanley Cup champion
Pittsburgh Penguins
(and also the youngest captain to hoist the Stanley Cup) propelled Canada to its 14th gold medal of the games with the game winning overtime goal in the men's ice hockey gold medal game, surpassing the previous record of 13 set by the former Soviet Union in 1976
and Norway in 2002
.
Although Canada finished these Olympics third in total medals, behind the United States and Germany
, their 26 total medals was the most a host country had won at a Winter Olympics, since the United States had 34 in 2002
.
Medallists have credited the program for their successes, while some have criticized the program for putting too much pressure on the athletes.
. Canada ended the Games with 19 total medals, 10 of them gold, ending at 3rd in total medals ranking, and 3rd in gold medal ranking. This met the performance level set by the Canadian Paralympic Committee
, of ending third in total medal count.
assistance to targeted athletes for future Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal for RTE is for Canada to place top 12 at the 2012 Summer Olympics
and top five at the 2012 Summer Paralympics
in London
.
blamed the program for the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili
, a luge athlete from Georgia who died on the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Several of the country's former Olympians have criticized the program as unsportsmanlike.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
umbrella sport technical program launched in January 2005 (before the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.) Originally created as Own the Podium - 2010 to prepare Canadian athletes to reach medal finishes at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
, the program has since expanded to include a division for summer sports as well, known as Road to Excellence. The program interim CEO is Alex Baumann.
History
After failing to win a gold medal in the first two Olympic GamesOlympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
it hosted (the 1976 Summer Olympics
1976 Summer Olympics
The 1976 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event celebrated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1976. Montreal was awarded the rights to the 1976 Games on May 12, 1970, at the 69th IOC Session in Amsterdam, over the bids of Moscow and...
in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
and the 1988 Winter Olympics
1988 Winter Olympics
The 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...
in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
)—becoming the only country to have hosted multiple Olympic Games without winning a gold medal at home—the Canadian Olympic Committee
Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee - COC is the private, non-profit organization representing Canadian athletes in the International Olympic Committee and the Pan American Games. It was formally recognized by the IOC in 1907. The COC also represents the selection of Canadian cities in their bid for...
has pledged to make Canada the top medal winning nation at 2010 when Canada hosts the Olympic Games for the third time. The COC's program was inspired by the USOC
United States Olympic Committee
The United States Olympic Committee is a non-profit organization that serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and coordinates the relationship between the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency and various...
, which had previously regarded the Winter Olympics as the "Forgotten Games", but then changed strategies and improved sponsorship of winter sports, and this led the USA to great medal successes at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics
2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics, officially the XIX Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event that was celebrated in February 2002 in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Approximately 2,400 athletes from 77 nations participated in 78 events in fifteen disciplines, held throughout...
.
The determination to boost Canada's performance came just months after Canada's 13 winter national sport federations, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Sport Canada
Sport Canada
Sport Canada is a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Its mission is "to enhance opportunities for all Canadians to participate and excel in sport." Sport Canada develops Federal sport policy in Canada, provides funding programs in support of sport, and administers special projects...
, the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was the non-profit organization responsible for planning, organizing, financing and staging the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Paralympics...
(VANOC) met in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
in February 2004 to discuss their goals for the 2010 Games.
Based on the principles and framework developed at the meeting, the COC contracted an independent consultant to analyze the sport projections, provide recommendations on changes and resources required, and determine if the goals were achievable. Cathy Priestner Allinger was selected to perform this study who recruited experts in sport and sport systems. The final report was submitted to the partners later that year. A subcommittee called the Own the Podium Steering Committee was then created to manage the implementation of the report's recommendations.
A 2006 survey indicated that almost 3 out of 4 Canadians approved of the goals set in the program, and that nearly 70% of them say it is important for Canada to be a top medal finisher in 2010.
The 13 winter national sport federations included:
|
Canadian Freestyle Ski Association Canadian Freestyle Ski Association is the governing federation for freestyle skiing in Canada.The Association was established in 1995, and there are now well over 50 freestyle ski clubs across the country.... Cross Country Canada Cross Country Canada is the governing federation for Cross Country Skiing in Canada.... Canadian Luge Association Canadian Luge Association is the governing federation for luge in Canada.http://www.luge.ca/... Canadian Snowboard Federation The Canadian Snowboard Federation is the governing body in Canada for the sport of snowboarding. It is a member discipline of the Canadian Snowsports Association, and is recognized by the Government of Canada, the Fédération Internationale de Ski, the World Snowboard Federation, the Canadian... |
Hockey Canada Hockey Canada, formally known as the Canadian Hockey Association, is the national governing body of ice hockey in Canada and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Hockey Canada controls a vast majority of ice hockey in Canada, with a few exceptions... Nordic Combined Ski Canada Nordic Combined Ski Canada is the governing federation for Nordic Combined in Canada.http://www.nordiccombinedcanada.com/... Ski Jumping Canada Ski Jumping Canada is the governing federation for ski jumping in Canada.... Speed Skating Canada Speed Skating Canada is the governing body for competitive long track and short track speed skating in Canada. It was founded in 1887, five years before the International Skating Union of which SSC later became a member in 1894.-History:In 1854, three British army officers raced on the St... |
In 2006, the Canadian government announced the creation of Podium Canada, an umbrella body for the Own the Podium - 2010 (OTP) and Road to Excellence (RTE) sport programs. While OTP focuses on winter sports, RTE's vision and strategy is for Canadian teams to improve their performance at the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in 2008 and 2012.
Program
Even before its inception, the program has been a collaborative project supported by sport federations and their funding partners. This program marks the first time Canada's winter sport organizations have come together with their sport partners to map out a comprehensive plan. The sporting system in Canada has been marked by fragmented funding which would be replaced by a high performance body to distribute funds to winter sports based on annual sport reviews and an accountability model. This body would be governed by a board made up of funding partners and winter sport federations representatives.The report analyzed Canada's potential to be the top medal winner at 2010, which concluded that Canada in fact has the potential to reach its goal given a new approach to sport delivery. The report called for support by the federal government and sport leaders in Canada as well as a $21-million annual increase in funding for winter sports over the next five years, spending $118 million. The report found that Canada has the talent in certain sport disciplines to increase the number of potential medallists to 211 for 2010. To achieve the goal of approximately 35 medals, the projected first place finish in 2010, a 50% success rate for the potential medallists would be necessary. The program also aims to improve Canada's success rate through increased preparation, technology, research and development, and human performance research.
The report predicted that without implementation of the recommended measures, Canada could only be expected to win 17 medals in 2006 and 16 medals in 2010.
Partnerships
The program relies on support and commitment from government, corporate, sport and performance partners. Supports include direct funding, investment, sport expertise and service delivery.Own the Podium - 2010
The goal for OTP was to prepare Canada to become the top winter sportWinter sport
A winter sport is a sport which is played on snow or ice. Most such sports are variations of skiing, ice skating and sledding. Traditionally such sports were only played in cold areas during winter, but artificial snow and ice allow more flexibility...
ing nation in the world by 2010 — when Canada would host the Winter Olympics. This achievement would be measured by whether Canada becomes the top medal-winning nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
and Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is a Canadian resort town in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in the province of British Columbia, Canada, approximately north of Vancouver...
, and places in the top three at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games
2010 Winter Paralympics
The 2010 Winter Paralympics, officially the X Paralympic Winter Games, or the 10th Winter Paralympics, were held in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada from March 12 to 21, 2010. The Opening Ceremony took place in BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and the Closing Ceremony in Whistler...
. To achieve the goals of 2010, the focus of the program was to provide additional resources and high performance programming to Canadian athletes, coaches and support personnel.
The first three years of the program focused on the development of sport organizations; coaches and leaders; and programs for the athletes.
The remaining two seasons will focus on training at the 2010 venues and competing in international events. This will familiarize athletes and coaches with the sporting venues and prepare them for top level competition conditions.
Results before 2010
Since the launch of the program, the 2006 Winter Olympic Games2006 Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
has been the first litmus test of the program's effectiveness. The program has been credited for the success of Canada at the 2006 Games
Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics
Canada competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, with a team of 196 athletes and 220 support staff.As host of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada was pressured to do well at the 2006 Games...
despite its short existence. The COC
Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee - COC is the private, non-profit organization representing Canadian athletes in the International Olympic Committee and the Pan American Games. It was formally recognized by the IOC in 1907. The COC also represents the selection of Canadian cities in their bid for...
had set a goal of 25 medals and a top three medal standing for Canada in the 2006 Games, in part considering the increased funding and resources as a result of the program. By the end of the 2006 Games, Canadian athletes achieved the country's best ever medal performance in the Winter Games by winning 24 medals, and Canada placed third in terms of total medals.
The program has been credited for the success of Canadian winter athletes in the 2007-2008 season of World Cup and World Championship competitions. Forty-nine more World Cup event medals were won than in the previous 2006-2007 season. Together with medals won in Paralympic sports, Canada led in medals among all contending nations.
Results at the 2010 Games
Although the program did not achieve its stated goal of winning the most total medals in the Games, Canada did succeed in breaking the record for most gold medals won in any Winter Olympics.Winter Olympics
By February 22, after the first week of the 2010 Games, the COC admitted that it would be impossible for Canada to finish first in total medals. Expected Canadian medal favourites failed to reach the podium, particularly in Alpine skiingAlpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics was held at Whistler Creekside in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The ten events were scheduled for February 13–27, 2010; weather delayed the first event, the men's downhill, two days until Monday, February 15....
and speed skating
Speed skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics
The speed skating competition of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was held at Richmond Olympic Oval between 13 and 27 February 2010.- Notes :Haralds Silovs became the first athlete in Olympic history to participate in both short track and long track speed skating, and the first to compete in two...
(especially men's long track and short track). At the same time, the USA
United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics
The United States participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The U.S. team had a historic Winter Games, winning an unprecedented 37 medals. Team USA's medal haul, which included nine gold, marked the first time since the 1932 Lake Placid Games that the U.S....
was the runaway leader in total medals, achieving many of their medals in Alpine skiing. (The United States went on to win 37 total medals, the most of any country at a single Winter Olympics.) However, over the next six days, Canada broke a series of gold medals records at a single Winter Olympics.
On February 27, the second to last day of these Games, the eleventh gold medal competition awarded to a member of the Canadian delegation surpassed the former record of ten gold medals awarded to any host country's team at the Winter Olympics. (previous record of 10 was set by both Norway in 1994
Norway at the 1994 Winter Olympics
Norway was the host nation for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. It was the second time that Norway had hosted the Winter Olympic Games, after the 1952 Games in Oslo. In 1994, Norway finished second in the medal ranking to Russia, with strong results in the skiing events.During the games,...
and the United States in 2002
United States at the 2002 Winter Olympics
The United States was the host nation for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.These Games were by far the best home Winter Games for the United States, earning 34 total medals, nearly triple their best previous hauls at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California, and the 1932...
.) Canada became the first host nation to finish on top of the gold medal count since Norway in 1952
Norway at the 1952 Winter Olympics
Norway was the host nation for the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo.By winning 7 gold medals, Norway had the most golds at these games. This would be the last time a host country would win the most gold medals at the Winter Olympics until Canada won the most gold medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics in...
. That was also a record three gold medals from the Winter Games on Day 16 for Canada. The next day, Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League...
, the captain of the defending Stanley Cup champion
2009 Stanley Cup Finals
The Red Wings took Game 1, 3–1, as three different Detroit players scored goals off of unusual bounces. The first period featured back and forth action, with each team having a variety of chances...
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
(and also the youngest captain to hoist the Stanley Cup) propelled Canada to its 14th gold medal of the games with the game winning overtime goal in the men's ice hockey gold medal game, surpassing the previous record of 13 set by the former Soviet Union in 1976
Soviet Union at the 1976 Winter Olympics
The Soviet Union competed at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.During the games, the Soviet Union won 13 gold medals, the most any country won at a single Winter Olympics. Norway tied it during the Salt Lake City games...
and Norway in 2002
Norway at the 2002 Winter Olympics
Norway competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, United States. The nation enjoyed its best ever results , most notably in the biathlon events, when Ole Einar Bjørndalen swept all four gold medals....
.
Although Canada finished these Olympics third in total medals, behind the United States and Germany
Germany at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Germany participated at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 153 athletes represented Germany, entering all 15 sports. Figure skater Sarah Hecken was the youngest team member, while Curling European Champion Andrea Schöpp was the oldest at 44...
, their 26 total medals was the most a host country had won at a Winter Olympics, since the United States had 34 in 2002
2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics, officially the XIX Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event that was celebrated in February 2002 in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Approximately 2,400 athletes from 77 nations participated in 78 events in fifteen disciplines, held throughout...
.
Medallists have credited the program for their successes, while some have criticized the program for putting too much pressure on the athletes.
Winter Paralympics
Canadian Paralympic athletes achieved the best record ever for Canada at the ParalympicsCanada at the Paralympics
Canada has participated eleven times in the Summer Paralympic Games and in all Winter Paralympic Games. They first competed at the Summer Games in 1968 and the Winter Games in 1976.-Milestones:...
. Canada ended the Games with 19 total medals, 10 of them gold, ending at 3rd in total medals ranking, and 3rd in gold medal ranking. This met the performance level set by the Canadian Paralympic Committee
Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee - CPC is the private, non-profit organization representing Canadian Paralympic athletes in the International Paralympic Committee and the Parapan American Games...
, of ending third in total medal count.
Road to Excellence
Created in 2006, Road to Excellence (RTE) is designed to provide technical support andassistance to targeted athletes for future Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal for RTE is for Canada to place top 12 at the 2012 Summer Olympics
2012 Summer Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012...
and top five at the 2012 Summer Paralympics
2012 Summer Paralympics
The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games will be the fourteenth Paralympics and will take place between 29 August and 9 September 2012. The Games will be held in London, United Kingdom after the city was successful with its bid for the Paralympics and Summer Olympic Games.Even though 2012 will be London's...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Controversy
The program has gained media spotlight since the beginning of the 2010 Games, having been scrutinized during the Games of its effectiveness and whether Canadian athletes were on track to meet the program's goals. The program has also generated controversy from several quarters. Tabloid columnist Martin SamuelMartin Samuel
Martin Samuel is a sports columnist for the Daily Mail newspaper and columnist for the Jewish Chronicle. He had been a sports writer and columnist for The Times and the News of the World since 2002 and was named Sports Writer of the Year for 2005 and 2006 at the What The Papers Say awards and in...
blamed the program for the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili
Nodar Kumaritashvili
Nodar David Kumaritashvili was a Georgian luger, who suffered a fatal crash during a training run for the 2010 Winter Olympics competition in Vancouver, Canada, on the day of the opening ceremony...
, a luge athlete from Georgia who died on the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Several of the country's former Olympians have criticized the program as unsportsmanlike.