U.K. Ridicules 'Own the Podium', Then Decides to Copy Canada

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After Publicly Bashing Canada's 'Own the Podium' Program, UK Will Now Incorporate Similar Strategy

The U.K. has done a complete 180 flip since it bashed Canada's 'Own the Podium' program early on in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. While Canada had made a huge deal out of the program, its athletes weren't performing up to expectations and 'Own the Podium' seemed like a complete failure.

Cue the U.K. media, who attacked Canada's program:

But after Canada's resurgence for record-setting 14 gold medals and 26 total, U.K. officials are trying to reverse comments made by the press, saying that Canada's 'Own the Podium' was a complete success and Britain will be trying to emulate the Canadians success. 

UK Aiming to 'Own the Podium' at London 2012

UK Sport chief executive John Steele says that it's critical for hosting countries to get as many athletes as possible on the podium. He says funding for Team Britain should be focused on attaining medals, and that the UK committee has a responsibility to UK citizens to win.

He says that although the UK will be using a different program, it will share many similarities with Canada's 'Own the Podium'.

So the British media will have to swallow some humble pie and admit that 'Own the Podium' was such a success, their own country will try to replicate it.