Uh, Oh. The Hype is Catching Up

Vancouver, we have a problem.

Earlier this week, CTV's/TSH's James Duthie hinted that "We shouldn't blame the athletes for failing to win medals at these Games. It's not all about medals."

Oh, really?

Thursday night, David Pelletier and Elizabeth Manley nearly wept when Canadian figure skater Patrick Chan fell on his behind. The excuses for Chan's missed opportunity were vomit-inducing.

We talked about this before the Olympics began. The Canadian government started it all with the silly "Own the Podium" program. Then CTV and TSN created that absolutely ridiculous I Believe campaign, suggesting Canada could win the Medal Count (all we had to do was believe) and choosing a group of Canadian athletes that were "destined" to be medal winners.

Many weren't. Others were.

Regardless, Canada has done very well at the Games. Granted, Canada's athletes have not owned the podium, but fourth place for a country of 30 million is pretty decent. However, what the national media promised Canadians has not come to pass. Now, the national media is starting to rev up the excuse machine.

No wonder I've been watching most of these Games with the mute button on.