Canada Falling Short of Its Goal to ‘Own the Podium’

This time, you really can blame Canada.

The Canadians made a big deal out of wiping the floor with the rest of the world in the 2010 Winter Olympics, proclaiming that they would "own the podium" in Vancouver. According to The New York Times, they even spent $110 million to build up their Olympic program. On their home soil, the natives wanted 35 medals — 11 more than they grabbed in Turin.

Well, unless the International Olympic Committee opts to add fourth- and fifth-place medals to the proceedings, it looks like Canada will be frozen out of its 35 medals and of a top-three showing in total medals.

Canada currently has eight, which trails South Korea (nine), Norway (12), Germany (16) and the United States with 24.

It’s not only in competition that Canada’s taken a beating. Patriotic American Stephen Colbert has led the way in bashing Canada, calling Canadians "iceholes," "syrup-suckers" and "Saskatchewhiners." (OK, so Colbert's entire schtick is parodying right-wing partisans.)

Colbert invaded Canada last Thursday to film his show, The Colbert Report. He also presided over the Games as ombudsman, as decreed by the city of Richmond (British Columbia) while serving as an honorary member of the U.S.'s speedskating team. Colbert drew the ire of Canadians when he blasted the country for not allowing Americans enough practice time. Colbert’s delivery aside, this was a legimate sentiment shared by other foreign athletes.

Canada came through in something, nabbing a gold medal on home turf, but it took them a little longer than expected, the Times reported. Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper was in attendance during the first full day of the Games to watch moguls skier Jennifer Heil bring glory to the Maple Leaf nation. But American Hannah Kearney had something to say about that, forcing Heil to the silver. The next night, mogul skier Alexandre Bilodeau finally brought meaning to America's northern neighbors by capturing gold. However, it was done without Harper in attendance.

Canada still has a shot to make a statement during the final week of the Games. Hockey, curling and speedskating offer Canadians a chance to earn up to 12 medals, and expectations remain high.

But Canada is running out of time.