Canadian Company to Ensure 14 Gold Medals to Russia in Sochi Olympics

Russia’s Olympic Committee is recruiting Canadian company Allinger Consulting Inc. to ensure the Russian team wins 14 gold medals for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Citing committee sources, Vedomosti reports that Russia is paying $5 million US for this guarantee.

Allinger Consulting is Cathy Priestner-Allinger, winner of an Olympic silver medal in speedskating in 1976, and her husband Todd Allinger. The pair co-authored the Own The Podium report that revolutionized the Canadian sport system, reports Canada’s The Globe and Mail.

The Allingers’ report, completed in 2004, provided the template for Own The Podium, which was a five-year, $117-million CDN business plan to help Canadian athletes win the most medals in 2010. Canada finished third in the overall medal count with 26, but won the most gold with a record 14.

For the Russian team, Allinger Consulting will develop individual training programs for athletes, will oversee the preparations and will replace those athletes who can’t cope. In addition, the company will select personnel, including doctors and nutritionists.