Woodward believes Canada are not in-keeping with Olympic spirit

By Gerard Meagher, Sportsbeat

SIR Clive Woodward believes Canada have crossed the line in exploiting home advantage at the Vancouver Winter Olympics but admitted those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

GUT FEELING: BOA performance chief Sir Clive Woodward believes Canada are not in-keeping with the Olympic spirit (Getty Images)

Woodward, director of elite performance for the British Olympic Association, will oversee his first Winter Games in Vancouver later this month, bidding to meet UK Sport's medal target of three.

Canada meanwhile, have failed to win a gold medal at the two previous Olympics they have hosted - Montreal 1976 and Calgary 1988 - but have embarked on the $110m Own the Podium scheme to ensure that record comes to an end in Vancouver.

Home advantage has been exploited to the full with the vast majority of overseas nations restricted to the minimum amount of training time and use of facilities - according the rules laid down by the relevant international governing bodies.

British Skeleton performance director Andi Schmid has condemned such tactics, as has American speed skater Catherine Raney, while the BOA felt compelled to take their case to the International Olympic Committee with regards to where they were allowed to position cameras at the curling venue.

But while Woodward acknowledged that Canada are not in-keeping with the Olympic spirit, he was quick to point out that Great Britain will be making the most of home advantage at London 2012.

"I can see it from both sides to be frank - mainly because we've preparing for a home Games in London 2012 so we're going to have some home advantage then," said Woodward.

"I just think that there is a line you go to.  You are playing at home, so naturally there will be some advantages, and you will have more access to the tracks but you've got to make sure it's within reason.

"And I'm not really an expert as to whether it is within reason but my gut feeling is that they've just gone over the line and they've got a little bit too much access compared with everyone else.

"So I question whether or not it is within the Olympic spirit or within the Olympic ideals and that they've gone too far."

Woodward was however, quick to point out that with just ten days to go until the start of the Vancouver Games, the time for making excuses has long since passed.

"There also comes a stage when you've got to stop talking about it and just get on with it," he added.

"No-one will remember the home advantage but everyone will remember who actually won the medals.

"It can also go against you because there is added pressure with all that advantage."