In an opinion piece, Geoff Russ argues that Canadians should reconsider their attitude towards accepting silver medals at the Olympics, particularly highlighting the men's ice hockey final where Canada lost to the United States. He believes that the culture of celebrating second place reflects a 'cult of mediocrity' and critiques the mentality that elevates silver medals to the level of moral victories. The match against the US saw Team Canada fall short despite a strong performance, leading Russ to suggest that a true reflection on such defeats should not include consolation prizes.

Russ contrasts Canadian sentiments with those of other countries, asserting that a more mature perspective would acknowledge the disappointment of losing rather than glorifying second place. He references the exceptional performance of American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck as a critical factor in Canada's loss, implicitly calling for a recognition of the hard truth of defeat rather than an embrace of mediocrity. His argument is underscored by a quotation from Bruce Croxon, which encapsulates the comforting yet misguided rationale some Canadians adopt regarding silver medals.

The piece ultimately serves as a call to action for Canadians to embrace the harsh realities of competition in sports, striving for excellence rather than settling for what Russ sees as lesser accomplishments. By advocating for a shift away from glorifying second place, he encourages a national discourse that prioritizes true achievement and the pursuit of gold over complacency with silver, suggesting that acknowledging losses is a crucial part of fostering a more resilient sporting culture.