Staying caught up is the next important task

Here’s a question we’re sure to be asked when it comes time to debrief after our London excursion:

What do we do now?

How do we follow Olympic sports?

What kind of resources – time and money and manpower – do we pour into it?

No easy answers, are there.

The thing is, I think over the period of the London Games readers got to know a bit about some athletes many had never heard of and enjoyed their stories.

Big names like Paula Findlay and Simon Whitfield and Jessica Zelinka and Christine Sinclair. Lesser names like Rosie MacLennan, Derek Drouin and Richard Weinberger.

They all captured our attention for a little bit, some more than others, but are they now resigned to small little briefs every couple of months on the back pages of the section when they compete in some World Cup something or other in some farflung locale?

History would suggest yes and that’s actually too bad.

I guess we need to make some adjustments to what we do in the so-called “off years” for Olympians, both summer and winter.

Sure, we should pay attention to the big global events, the world championships, the major meets in all sports, but I think we also need to tell stories about the people more often.

It’s hard, it takes time and a dedication of resources and manpower that a lot of media outlets don’t have in these times of cutbacks and shrinking staffs but I think it’s important.

Everyone I’ve talked to since I got back from London wanted to talk about the people they’ve just heard of and become slightly familiar with.

To let those athletes drift off into anonymity now would be a mistake, one we can’t afford to make, I don’t think.

Sure, the Olympics are huge and a natural hook for telling stories. But finding other hooks, telling other stories – and I mean stories, not results-based dry reports – is equally important.

Agree?

And if you do, keep hammering us until we do it.

Thanks.

-

I just heard on the radio that Willie Nelson’s in the hospital. Nothing serious but …

Why not some Willie Nelson?

Plus, I (heart) this song.

-

Oh, from my period of basketball neglect, I missed these two wee updates.

Canada Basketball’s had and has, a couple of girls teams on the go.

The girls under-18 just finished its FIBA Americas qualification tournament for next year’s under-19 world championships in Lithuania and finished fourth, good enough to earn a berth for next year. It’ll be the fifth straight time Canada’s been the world juniors for women and it pretty much keeps the organization on track to build on what the senior women have done.

And the girls cadette (under-16 team) is in the middle of its world championship over in Netherlands, they’re 1-2 with a day off today and a game with Mali tomorrow.

Once that wraps up – and once the senior men’s camp comes and goes here this weekend – it’ll be time to take some time off and take stock of where the organization is.

It would appear at first blush that it continues to be headed in the right direction; they have good people in place, a solid pipeline of young players who may one day be major contributors to the senior teams.

Of course, they could use more funding and sponsorship and now that the action moves off the court and into the offices, the pressure gets turned up a bit on the staff and board to make sure the teams have the money needed to run first-class programs.

Next year’s a big one – qualifications for the senior men and women for the 2014 worlds, world championships for the juniors – and if they want to keep the ascension going, some company or some rich individual is going to have to step up and help.

Know anyone?

Oh, and the other thing they have to do? Get Allison McNeill back under contract, if not for the next four years, at least for the next two.

Take care of that, would you, Canada Basketball people?

Thanks.

-

No, I haven’t found any body parts anywhere near Casa Doug but the way they’re turning up all over the area, who knows what the day holds.

These truly are weird and awful times, aren’t they?

-

Hang on a sec.

A 14-year-old girl swam Lake Ontario?

Gotta love those under-achieving yutes.

Seriously, I guess it’s just the natural evolution of kids these days but, man, don’t some of them do some incredible things at such tender ages?

Back in the day – and I mean way back in the day – some 14-year-olds were just trying to figure out how the world worked, not conquering it.

Well done, young lady.

When you hear about things like that, about kids doing extraordinary things, it kind of gives you hope that the world isn’t going to entirely to hell in a handbasket, doesn’t it?

-

Okay, one more day of real-life stuff and decompression and it’s back to the regular grind. Wonder what that’s going to feel like.

 

Comments

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:
Re: the first point you made in today's blog - staying 'in touch' with Olympians in the 'off' years - isn't that what made Randy so special? You and I may have been willing to forget about them, but Randy wouldn't let that happen.
And, since the Star team did such a wonderful job of covering the London Olympics, maybe that is where Mr. Starkman will be missed most - in the 'off' years. And, in light of that, I sincerely hope that Mother Star figures out a way to continue that tradition.

[David in Oakville]

Hi Doug,

Small typo here "Big names like Paul Findlay and Simon Whitfield and Jessica Zelinka and Christine Sinclair." Should be Paula Findlay.
+
Have never heard Willie Nelson's version of City of New Orleans.. I will have to listen to it when I get home. It's a favourite song of mine as well.... as is the city of New Orleans.

Blogger's note: Got it fixed

[Jeremy]

Of course people don't care about sports like those of Rosie MacLennan since pretty much every time they were mentioned during the Olympics at this site or other newspapers it included a snide comment about the legitimacy of that sport. After all, aren't sports like trampoline cheapening the Olympics?

Blogger's note: Not at all; to some small-minded people, maybe

[Jeremy]

"Not at all; to some small-minded people, maybe"

So on Saturday which recently added sports were you referring to as "marginal sports" that cheapen the Olympics? And why should we care about Canadian athletes in so-called marginal sports?

Blogger's note: If you don't want to care, don't care;makes absolutely no difference to me. But people who dedicate their lives to being the best in the world at something shouldn't be mocked or disrespected. And we're done

[Jeremy]

"But people who dedicate their lives to being the best in the world at something shouldn't be mocked or disrespected."

Then you should probably take that up with the several of your fellow Star writers that mocked and disrespected the sports of various Canadian athletes. Further, don't you think you are mocking and disrespecting Canadian athletes by calling their sports marginal and saying they cheapen the Olympics?

Blogger's note: Seriously, we're done. Thanks. Bye

[TLI]

1) When I think of "marginal" sports at the Olympics, trampoline isn't one of them - unless all gymnastics are in that category.

2) What I really wanted to say -- I would hope somehow that the media magnates would help to appreciate the achievements of our Olympic teams by reporting in more depth on our national and regional competitions. Why isn't winning at that level a big deal, when most of the pro sports are really, in effect, national championships?

I recall comments during the Olympics to the effect that "anything less than a gold is NOTHING!" Clearly a crying need to build some perspective in the fan base here! Let's take some pride in our national titles, and build from there.

[Jeremy]

"Seriously, we're done. Thanks. Bye"

I'm sorry that I kept going on about it, I should have said my piece once and then let it go.

I do really enjoy your blog, I always find it entertaining and thought provoking. Also, it has led me to read more of the Star's content more often as when I'm finished I click over to the Star homepage and keep it open most of the day.

Thank you.

[sam]

The funny thing about the Olympics is that aside from a few higher profile athletes - the majority of Canada's Olympic team, no matter what sport, are nameless and faceless to many.
People in Canada generally know about Simon Whitfield only because of the Olympic Gold 8 years ago. Unless you were a big triathalon fan you wouldn't know him from the next guy. Paula Findlay we know more for her tears than anything else.

During the games while watching some Olympic coverage at a local pub, I jokingly asked a waitress how one becomes a syncronized swimmer. Not that I want to be one, but moreso because it's not in my wheel house of accesible sports. I'm certain the same can be said about many of the sports featured in the Olympics.

[Beverley Greenwood]

I don't know about your first point, Doug. I got sick of listening to stories about athletes, particularly when they failed to achieve anything significant. And, I disliked the fact that not all bronzes were equal. For example, when the athletes returned home in Vancouver, the cameras and commentators concentrated on Brent Hayden almost the kid that won his bronze in that open water race in the Serpentine stood right next to him and wasn't acknowledged. It was embarrassing that so many athletes hyped by the press did little while other, much less publicized ones, produced. Like the gold in trampoline got swallowed up in the sea of bronze.

Maybe we should do what other nations have done. Concentrate on a few sports and put the money there or, maybe, we should take a step back. When the 2010 and 2012 results are added together, Canada comes sixth. Now, why isn't that talked about?

[Dave B.]

Doug, do you know when Jonas will be moving to Toronto?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV9c0pBH5dM

Blogger's note: He told me in London he was taking a couple of weeks off so it won't be too long, I don't think. Not sure if he'll do rookie orientation with the NBA and come.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Welcome to the 20th century, Augusta National. Shouldn't take them more than another hundred years to arrive at the 21st. But a little progress beats no progress at all.
How about a little more Willie, with a 'different' take on The Highwaymen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ojXKbYFnus&feature=BFa&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CUdhQSkhTaPqtA_oLIvdq6
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Keith Wagar]

As far as keeping track of olympians I heartily agree! But, realisticaaly Toronto media can only see a sport if it is played on ice with a black disk! how many have given any coverage to the fact that a Canadian championship -- Minto Cup for Junior A lacrosse -- (Canada's national sport) is being played right now in their back yard - Whitby!

Blogger's note: One of Canada's national sports

[Lorie]

As a person who struggles with sticking to a diet until lunch, an exercise regimen for more than two days in a row, or a vow to drive below the speed limit for an entire week, I have nothing but admiration and just plain awe for our amateur athletes as they toil, train, practice, perfect their skills in near total obscurity for much - too much - of the time. I don't know what the answer is. I only know that I'd like to keep knowing them in some way - hearing their stories in the time between Olympics and other big meets and championships. Perhaps former Olympians (Clara Hughes and Simon Whitfield and Catriona LeMay Doan and Kara Lang and Marnie McBean come immediately to mind, but I know there are many others) could be asked to help tell the stories in the paper or online version in a weekly feature. Sorry to hear the news about the trailblazing Phyllis Diller who has left us to go and torment her "Fang" for eternity. And Willie Nelson's Farm Aid concerts have raised lots of money while bringing together some interesting musicians. And interesting performances. Like this one. :) (And what is that inTom Petty's mouth? Must be a guitar pick....)
http://youtu.be/hyZS0aCIYIk

[doug]

good blog today as always...but you forgot to mention the 2 most ridiculous words ever spoken by a politician ..if this ass gets re-elected then really is there any hope?/.."legitimate rape", unreal....my thoughts on amateur sports and the Olympics is who decides whether a sport is marginal??...because I don't follow it or partake in it doesn't mean it is a marginal sport ...all sports have a fan base whether we realize it or not, some far larger then the mainstream sports fan may realize..so to me someone needs to define "marginal sport"...sport is not the the big 3-4 leagues sport is sport, sport is a kid jumping rope, jogging, playing squash, roller blading etc...so to all that commit part of their life to do it and excel to the point they are a elite participant I applaud them...cheers

[DannyFromFreddy]

What's a yute?

It feels good to be able to quote Fred Gwynne

Blogger's note: Doesn't happen often enough