Australian snow sports are a shining example to their summer counterparts, according to AOC boss John Coates, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's going to be any extra funds coming to winter athletes any time soon.
"It continues to be a matter of spending what is allocated, wisely," Coates said ahead of the start of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
"The Australian Olympic Committee has a limited budget.
"We put a million a year into the Winter Institute, the sports commission and the other institutes put another one-and-a-half million in - any increase would be good but there are other priorities in sport - participation sport and whatever."
He said winter sports in Australia got good value for money because they centralise their programs.
"It is certainly well done. It's probably a lesson to some of the smaller sports and the summer sports too," he said.
A strong performance at these Games - four medals or more - would undoubtedly be a handy bargaining chip to obtain more money for Australian winter sports but even that may not be enough to please everyone.
A number of snowboarders have complained about what they perceive as funding discrepancies in the team, Scotty James particularly vocal while he and others including Torah Bright, Belle Brockhoff and Jarryd Hughes frequently sign off with #teamoutcast on their social media accounts to signify their various frustrations.
But Coates said while it would be great to offer more support to athletes outside official programs, the reality was limited money meant tough decisions had to be made.
"Some (athletes) manage to do it on their own; some make a lot of money," Coates said.
"I think it is whether the (Olympic Winter) Institute has got the money to say `here's X dollars, go off and spend it as you like'.
"It is probably fraught with danger, so they do try to control the programs and ensure the sports science medicine and backup is there in a co-ordinated way - and maybe that model doesn't suit everyone but it works for us."
Meanwhile Coates, also the IOC vice-president, said he was pleased with how the Games were shaping up despite some complaints from athletes and media.
"We've had good reports from our staff and from the organising committee. We've experienced moving around the city, the security looks good, it's not difficult and I get a very positive impression," Coates said.
There have been quirks - from unfinished buildings, to dirty water coming out of taps, the culling of dogs and then the more pressing humans rights, security and spending concerns.
But Coates was steadfast these Games would be good.
"I think they've done a good job. I just hope people will have a little bit of understanding," he said.
