OH CANADA!!! GROAN THE PODIUM

Canada is a nation in the midst of an identity crisis. Not knowing whether to politely and meekly accept second best, or whether to strive for number one -- and the knives are out.

Four years ago, Canada finished fourth on the medal count at the Winter Olympics in Turin. Not bad, you might think, for a country of 30 million people, competing against Winter Olympic superpowers such as Russia, Germany, the United States, Norway, Finland and Austria.

But, with the prospect of hosting the Vancouver Games looming, the Canadians wanted more. After-all, host countries traditionally salivate at the prospect of bulging medal tallies when their turn in the spotlight arrives.

So it was decided, no more Mr Nice Guy. Powerbrokers got together and created a campaign entitled 'Own the Podium', a statement of intent to finish not fourth, nor third or second on the medal tally. But to finish number one.

And that's where the problem started.

Much is said and written about Australia's jingoistic approach to sport. And the conviction with which Australia chases victory. But nothing can be compared to the approach by the Canadians in Vancouver.

Now don't get me wrong. First, I like Canadians immensely and, second, I believe they have done a wonderful job at hosting Vancouver 2010.

Further, I am of the opinion they have been the victim of much ill-founded criticism by some insufferables in the international media corps. On that point, the only valid criticism to be levelled at VANOC, the Vancouver Olympic Organising Committee, should be the fencing of the cauldron and the opportunistic punt taken on using the geographically-appealing but climatically-suspect Cypress Mountain as a venue. Otherwise, this has been a fantastic Olympic Games serviced by wonderfully friendly and helpful locals.

The Canadian athletes, however, have found themselves the unwitting subjects of a Cypress Mountain full of pressure. Own the Podium has become a monster for the athletes. The progress of the medal count has been the subject of front page reporting virtually on a daily basis. Gradually, Canada has fallen behind schedule and, as each day passes, the level of navel-gazing has become more intense.

Athletes have, in the eyes of the media and the expectant nation, 'failed'. They've wept in front of cameras and apologised for letting their country down. Newspaper and television reports have switched standpoints on a daily basis. From, 'what went wrong with Canada?' to 'athletes have no need to apologise' in a matter of hours.

Can't they see it? The officials and supporters invented this concept, the media reported it, and accepted it as gospel. How can they, in one breath ask why Canadian athletes are failing to achieve and, then in the next, say it really doesn't matter... who's counting anyway? That Own the Podium is to blame. Well excuse me, but who has run with Own the Podium??

Believe me, this is unlike anything Australia has conjured up in the past. With one exception. With hope and fingers crossed, Australia willed Cathy Freeman to her unforgettable 400 metres gold medal win in Sydney 2000. Here, however, it's across the board -- every Canadian athlete is carrying a target.

Interestingly, Australia has rated a mention in this whole process. Canadian athletes, it was claimed, were too content with second best. They wanted the Australian model, to win against all odds.

But you can't help but get the feeling that there's been a bit of bravado in implementing the program. In aspiring to take on and beat the world, the Canadian media and community at large has usurped the notional home-ground advantage. Rather than being bouyed by local support, many Canadian athletes have felt burdened by the expectations.

For all the good intentions, this all points to immaturity and a sense of an identity crisis on the part of the host nation.

Canada is trying to be something its not. Rather than competing at their best and letting the results take care of themselves, they've engaged in chest-thumping followed by apologies.

Meanwhile, the rest of us sit back and applaud the successes that come their way. They're likeable folk. They deserve it. They just have to learn how to aspire without crucifying their athletes.