Own the Podium has definitely taken a beating these last couple of days as it looks like we won't "own" these Games.  Some are blaming the program for breaking its promise to the Canadian people. 

That seems like a little bit of a stretch to me. You can't overlook the fact that we have won eight gold medals, just as many as the US, and have multiple fourth and fifth place finishes.  

Own the Podium was developed as a first step to change our sport system here in Canada. With any transition of this magnitude, there were bound to be some hiccups. After all, nothing or no one is perfect.

The program was a huge shift from what our athletes were used to and the big results may be yet to come. Yes it would have been nice to sweep these home Games and blow our competitors out of the water, but all good things come in time.

Own the Podium didn't just throw money at our athletes and coaches; it was a complete system overhaul.

These Olympics were really the test run for the program and although we might not be winning the number of medals expected, we've had some unbelievable success stories. The strength, dignity and sportsmanship of our Canadian athletes has taken the world by storm.

The worst thing we could do now is pull the plug on funding for sport. Realistically, all the money in the world can't buy you a medal, but it does greatly increase your chances of getting one. By creating an environment that thrives on excellence, our athletes are rewarded with the best coaches, facilities, medical teams and support that they need to take them to that next level.

In the end, it comes down to a few minutes on one particular day and the most prepared, confident and ready come out on top.

In sport anything can happen. Underdogs make miracles happen and favourites struggle under pressure. Nerves, a night of bad sleep or a night of too much sleep can be that 0.02 millisecond difference that leaves you off the podium.

Own the Podium can't control those factors no matter how much they try, but the program can support athletes the way they should be supported. This might come as a shock to some, but the program does not fund all Canadian athletes and it definitely did not fund every athlete competing here at the 2010 Olympics.

Athletes have made their way to these Games on the backs of their family and friends and have done an incredible job. Don't even get me started on 2012!

Does a little thing like the Summer Olympic Games sound familiar? So much focus has gone into Vancouver 2010, and rightly so, but our summer athletes have become lost amidst hockey fever and gold on home soil.

So before you criticize Own the Podium for not putting us over the top here in Vancouver, take a closer look at what it's really working with.  We have existed for years with under-supported National Sport Federations.  Each represents talented athletes who desperately need a boost. Some get it and some don't.

Own the Podium needs more support now more, not less.  The program needs to spread resources to all sports and not just those with immediate medal potential. Or else we need to be really worried about the future of sport in this country.