If Team GB followed the approach of most organisations, then Chris Hoy would have been set a target to win gold, whilst riding a Raleigh Chopper in a borrowed PE kit. When he failed, he would have been downgraded in his performance review and new talent would have been brought in to replace him. The new recruit would be passed Chris’ bike with their name stuck over his etched-out badge. Continuous improvement? Continuous change of personnel is always more likely until businesses become more like Team GB and create systems that utilise the raw talent at their disposal.
via perfect-flow.com
… and a bit of Performance Management for good measure!
Steve's Posterous 
The Australian swimming team is blaming their performance on management-imposed performance-relate-pay http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-07/athletes2c-supporters-in-bitter-battle-with-swimming-australia/4183402