AFTER years of training and a fresh injection of government funds, the Canadian Olympic team has set a goal of finishing in the top 12 out of 204 participating nations at the 2012 London Games. By Thursday, Canada was already ranked 11th, having garnered seven medals: two silvers and five bronzes. Although anything can happen in the remaining 10 days of competition, it seems the team's target may be within reach. But is hardware the best gauge of our country's performance at the Games?

BRIAN WOOD NORTH VANCOUVER

It's not, really. To me, it's the Winter Olympics that matter for Canada because that's where we have a shot.

LEEJAY HAMIDI NORTH VANCOUVER

Not that important. It doesn't affect my life but I'm not rooting against it or anything.

COLLEEN MCLACHLAN NORTH VANCOUVER

I think it's very important. I think it brings Canada to the world's attention. Some people don't know where Canada is, you know.

CARLA SORRENTINO NORTH VANCOUVER

It's not that important to me. It's just the fact that our athletes get to go out there and compete (that matters). It's really hard for us, because I know the funding is really low for Canadian athletes. The medals are the icing on the cake.

ROSE SIMANTIRIS NORTH VANCOUVER

I think what matters more is that we're out there, and we're competing, and we're showing everyone how good we are. It doesn't matter what we bring home.