The New Year is now underway and it will be intriguing to see the Canadian athletes that rise to the top of the heap.
The Year 2011 is just barely behind us and if I asked you who the Canadian athletes of the year and the team of the year were, could you name them ?
Since the announcements were made relatively recently, I’m sure the names Jennifer Heil, Patrick Chan and the B.C. Lions would be uttered by many.
If I asked the question again, six months down the road, would there be as many correct responses ?
It’s interesting the top Canadian athletes for 2011 came from less than high profile activities.
In fairness, the figure skating community would protest that Chan is an exceptionally gifted performer in a major winter sport.
Plus, the very devoted CFL fans, outside of this region I’d suggest, could make a case for the Lions.
But let me ask this; if Jennifer Heil, Patrick Chan and Wally Buono walked down the Main Street in your community, would you be able to identify them ?
Truthfully, I think they’d draw attention, but would be overlooked by and large.
In fact, the most recognizable Lion these days is Joe Kapp, but only because he popped Angelo Mosca during Grey Cup Week.
I’m Fred Wallace