Could you cheer for them?
I couldn't in good conscience, but maybe if they are in direct competition with Americans.
What also gets me is their celebration of mediocrity, which I think is endemic to their wider culture. "They [Canadian athletes] made the finals" but you know what, they'll come in sixth so its rubbish.

No, I fail the cricket test. I too, might make an exception against the septics - although it's just as likely that I wouldn't care one way or the other.

I watched a documentary on the BBC the other day about the 100m olympic final that ben johnson cheated in. He actually came across as quite a nice guy, whereas that carl lewis just seemed like a twat.

I'm not a big fan of septics but at least they don't glorify second best.

or third.....

I wouldn't cheer for anyone..as im not from North America..as im English i dont cheer people or teams i support them..having said that i have no interest in the Canadian athletes just those from GB

So supporting their athletes is a celebration of mediocrity?

Seem to remember the uk celebrating their success in the 2010 games....mediocrity or a good effort?

What other nuggets of your wisdom shall we look forward to....I think you need a day job.

It's early days yet - all we need is 1 silver to break out of the crush for 22nd place and tie with Great Britain at 17th. I wonder how Canada's medal performances match up with other countries' on a per-capita basis?
(Mens synch platform diving on now, a good chance for GB!)

One tries to illuminate the cave a little.


"Lets cheer for this team as the guy in the bow is dating a Canadian athlete who competed in Beijing."

Whatever, GB just won silver for men's gymnastics, go team

Canada are 25th now

got busted down to bronze, but still a good job.

I'll cheer for the country that I am living in except if Canada and GB are competing against each other, then I will always cheer for the country I was born and raised in.

Would any of us have the ability, dedication or strength to compete at this level in the world. Not me and therefore don't feel qualified to call any athlete mediocre!!

It's good to see that London has indeed built on the success of Vancouver - both world class Olympic riot cities.

That's why I cheered for Canada in the Hockey at the winter games. Along with the Canadians in the family.

Remembering, of course, that would be sixth out of many hundreds rather than sixth out of eight. Would you be one of those glass half empty folk who call the runners up medals in football "losers'" medals?