Roger Jackson stepping down as CEO of Canada’s ‘Own The Podium’ initiative

Canada’s ‘Own The Podium’ boss steps down

CALGARY, Alberta — Roger Jackson, the man who headed the program that helped Canada enjoy its most successful Winter Olympics, will step down as chief executive officer of Own the Podium on Thursday.

Alex Baumann, a Canadian Olympic gold medalist in swimming, will be the interim CEO, Own The Podium said Monday.

When Jackson was offered the job back in 2005, he said he would leave once the 2010 Games were finished.

While the United States led the Olympic medal count with 37, Canada won 14 gold, more than any other country at a Winter Games. The Canadian total of 26 was the country’s best.

The $117-million program was created with the goal of helping Canada win more medals than any other country at the Vancouver Olympics. The program was funded by the federal government and the Vancouver Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

The recent federal budget promised $17 million a year for the next two years for Own the Podium. The goal for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London is for Canadian athletes to finish in the top 12.