Canadian Olympic Committee thinking bigger for 2012
Goal for London Summer Games set at top-12 finish after strong showing in Beijing
Last Updated: Monday, August 25, 2008 | 9:44 AM ET
CBC Sports
Karen Cockburn, a silver medallist in trampoline, has reached the podium in three straight Olympics for Canada. Will she attempt to make it four in a row in London? (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)With a successful Beijing Games in the books, a satisfied Canadian Olympic Committee has started looking ahead to 2012 and London, England.
The COC is targeting a top-12 finish in four years after Canadian athletes met its goal of a top-16 standing in Beijing by placing 15th with 18 medals (three gold, nine silver and six bronze).
Canada was tied for 19th with three gold medals.
Chris Rudge, the COC's chief executive officer, says the difference in Canada's preparation for Beijing compared to the 2004 Athens Games was like night and day.
Almost every athlete had been to Beijing for training or competition before the Games, which wrapped up Sunday after 16 days.
In addition, former Olympians appeared at seminars to provide athletes with advice on how to handle the distractions and frustrations at the Games.
As for London, Rudge says more government funding would be welcome.
He also feels more sports facilities, especially in southern Ontario where one-third of Canada's population resides, would increase the pool of athletes with medal potential.
The 2010 Winter Olympics start in 536 days in Vancouver.
