July 20, 2004
Toronto Sun

Canada sending 134 Women and 132 Men to Olympics

Fewer athletes but more medals?

They will be leaner, yes, but will they be higher, faster and stronger?

The Canadian Olympic Committee yesterday unveiled its Athens-bound team, which will be looking to bounce back from a miserable Games four years ago in Sydney. Thanks to tougher qualifying standards and the absence of a number of team sports, it is a considerably smaller contingent than in 2000.

The team will consist of 266 athletes (134 women, 132 men), down from the 311 at the previous Summer Games, and will compete in 28 disciplines.

The subject of the toughened COC qualifying standards has been a hot one throughout the year, with several prominent athletes getting vocal in their criticism.

The COC has been just as adamant in its stance that the Olympics aren't to be seen as a chance to tour the world but an occasion to seriously chase for medals.

To that end, Canada will attempt to rally from the Sydney Games, which yielded just 14 medals, down from 22 in Atlanta eight years ago.

"We endured the so-called rigid COC standards and we feel that's the way to go for the Olympics," women's rowing coach Al Morrow said. "Top athletes should go to the Olympics and those top athletes should be supported.

"We think we have medal opportunities. If I were a betting person, I might bet on five of them for sure."

Indeed, the waters at the Schinias Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre may well be the most productive venue for Canadian athletes.

The Canadian team includes 11 athletes and two teams who will attempt to defend their medals from 2000, led by triathlete Simon Whitfield, wrestler Daniel Igali and tennis player Daniel Nestor each of whom won gold.

Six athletes -- including flag bearer and judoka Nicolas Gill -- will be competing in their fourth Olympics, while paddler Caroline Brunet and will wear red and white for the fifth time.

Then there is the elder statesmen of the Canadian team -- equestrian Ian Millar -- who has been named to a Canadian record ninth team

reprinted with permission