The question is what can we do as a community to ensure our teams have every chance to succeed in the near and long terms.
I would suspect $$$ being the top "what can we do" answer. With enough funding, these teams could focus exclusively on development (not fundraising, logistics, etc).
I think the steps now being taken to (a) identify potential talent and (b) sparking interest in the long road to the olympics are a good start.
On the other hand, if we used a different sport as an example... what does an Olympic medal in basketball offer to a potential star in that sport? Would they have a better prospect in a professional career with an Olympic medal around their neck?
Would an Olympic medal provide JC or Matt a better shot at a professional sailing job? Or would there be a more effective means to the top spots on an AC team (or VOR, or BWR, etc. etc.)?
And which would be your preference, to win a top world ranking or an Olympic medal?
