Well, I must admit, I did not get up at 4am to watch the Gold Medal final today, but I certainly saw the second and third periods live. Amazing game and another incredible Olympics for Canada.
That being said, it leads me to question what the Olympics truly means in terms of marketing and National Marketing specifically. Did Canada “Own the Podium”? Did Russia truly win if they did not get a hockey medal in either the Men’s or Women’s competition? I leave that for you to decide. . .
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Russian Fed. | 13 | 11 | 9 | 33 |
| 2 | Norway | 11 | 5 | 10 | 26 |
| 3 | Canada | 10 | 10 | 5 | 25 |
| 4 | United States | 9 | 7 | 12 | 28 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 9 | 24 |
| 6 | Germany | 8 | 6 | 5 | 19 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 6 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
| 8 | Belarus | 5 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 9 | Austria | 4 | 8 | 5 | 17 |
| 10 | France | 4 | 4 | 7 | 15 |
What I find interesting, and will be curious to see, is how each country markets their individual success now and moving forward. Norway was dominant in Cross Country Skiing, the Netherlands was dominant at the Speed Skating Oval, Canada had Hockey, Curling and it’s share of X Games Medals. . . but how will they continue to tell their stories now that the games are done. Will we continue to celebrate our heroes through the next four years, or will we ignore them nationally until the win again? I am one to think it is the latter and will be disappointed if I am correct.
Marketing the success of the Olympics should be a full time national program. Allowing both for the success of the athlete’s and the pride of the nation. Corporations understand that tying their success to that of an athlete is good for business, why don’t nations. . . and Canada specifically?
We live in a world that is full of bad news and things that go wrong. Taking the time to celebrate the good and tying that to national pride cannot be a bad thing. . . hey it may even inspire future Olympians allowing the cycle to perpetuate.
I for one am very proud of our athlete’s and I hope that we give them the kudos they deserve for the months and years to come. Want to know more about the Canadian Olympic Foundation. . . click on the image below!
