SOCHI, Russia — Strong start, decent pace in the middle and a big four-medal final Friday helped Canada finish the 2014 Sochi Winter Games with 25 medals.
With 10 gold, 10 silver and five bronze, Canada finished fourth in the overall standings and third in total gold. Host Russia led in total medals and gold with 33 and 13, respectively.
The United States was second with 28 medals and Norway third with 26. Fun Fact: Canada finished second in silver to Russia’s 11. Members of the Canadian team enter the stadium for the closing ceremonies for the Sochi Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
(photo courtesy of CTV news)
Bobsledders Kaillie Humphries (right) and Heather Moyse carry the Canadian flag into the stadium for the closing ceremonies for the Sochi Winter Olympics on Feb. 23, 2014. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Canada’s objective was to win more medals than any other country in Sochi. As host team, Canada finished third overall with 25, but topped the gold-medal count with 14 at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C.
The Canadian Press predicted 30 medals for the Canadian team prior to its arrival.
Topping the medal table in Sochi was going to be difficult without home-ice and home-snow advantage. Russia proved what a weighty advantage that can be.
Canada remains a world player in winter sport. It’s more fun and interesting to be that, than not.
The good: Strong start had Canada atop the medal count on Day 4. The Canadians stayed within striking distance of the overall lead throughout the Winter Games until Russia shut the door on the final weekend. Four events with two Canadian medallists on the podium. Double gold in curling and hockey.
The bad: One medal short of matching, and two medals short of beating, the 26 won in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. Canada got a big assist here from new sports and picked up five of the extra 36 medals available in Sochi that weren’t on the menu in 2010. Canada lost ground in a few of the established sports.
Canada’s grade: A
Source: CTV News
