November 14, 2001

Canada will shoot for third in 2002 Winter Olympics

TORONTO (CP) -- The Canadian Olympic Association is setting its 2002 Winter Games sights high.

The goal will be third place in the medal standings, says chef de mission Sally Rehorick.

This is a tall order considering that Canada's team finished fifth in the medal standings with 15 medal-winning performances four years ago in Nagano, Japan.

"To go from fifth to third place is entirely achievable," Rehorick said Wednesday. "We were only a medal or two out of fourth place in Nagano so being third is entirely achievable."

She might be right considering that Canada finished ninth in Albertville, France, in 1992, seventh in Norway in 1994, and fifth last time -- an upward trend. And more events have been added for 2002.

Nagano medal standings leaders: Germany 29, Norway 25, Russia 18, Austria 17, Canada 15, United States 13.

There's nothing wrong with aiming high, said Rehorick.

"It's a worthy goal," she said during an interview following the unveiling at a Roots clothing store of the garb the company will supply Canada's athletes for Salt Lake City. "We wouldn't set a goal that's unattainable and worthy of our athletes.

"It's not a promise. It's a goal."

Canadians currently hold seven world titles in Winter Games sports.

"We did very well last year and many of those same individuals probably will be named to the team for Salt Lake City," Rehorick said.

A portion of the sale price of the Roots apparel will be directed to the COA. As well, the toques, scarves and mittens will be available at Petro-Canada retail sites and a portion of those sales will go to the COA to directly aid athletes through the Podium 2002 project that also receives funding from the federal government.

"It's specific funding that really will give the athletes the chance to focus on that 1-100th of a second that's going to make a difference," Rehorick said. "Whether it would be special tents the cross-country skiers are using to get used to high altitudes, the high-altitude training the figure skaters will be doing, new bobsled runners -- that's the type of thing that funding will go towards.

"It's what the sports told us would help them and their athletes make a difference. These are things that in the past athletes have said, 'You know, if I'd just had that."'

There was nothing similar for athletes going to Sydney, Australia, for the Summer Games last year.

"We don't want the playing field to be level for Canadians (in Salt Lake City)," Rehorick said. "We want them to have an advantage."

Canada will have about 170 athletes in Salt Lake City, and another 120 individuals in support roles.

The Games are fast approaching. Opening ceremonies are Feb. 8.

The COA has yet to fill the chief executive officer's vacancy created by the death earlier this year of Carol Ann Letheren. Rehorick says this should not impede the team.

"We've been preparing for a good two years," she said. "We're very much on track to where we need to be at this point."

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