So, I've really stayed away from blogging too much about the Beijing Olympics this year, aside from a very yummy picture of Michael Phelps. But I digress. A dear friend mine, "The Commish", has been keeping up with the Olympics with almost-daily posts so I haven't felt obligated to add any commentary of my own.
Until now.
Usain Bolt, of Jamaica, claimed the gold in both the men's 100 and 200 meter races this week in amazing, world-record-breaking fashion. While his behavior might not have been 100% respectful of the other athletes, it's hard to deny the fact that Bolt is most definitely the fastest man alive. In spite of what outsiders may think of Bolt, many of his fellow athletes have no problem with his "excessive" celebration.
However Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, feels that his behavior was inappropriate enough to warrant mentioning it in an interview. "That's not the way we perceive being a champion," Rogge said. He basically rips him a new a-hole and calls him immature & disrespectful for his celebration.
So, let me get this straight. It's "not okay" to celebrate your win, but it "is okay" to lie about your age in order to circumvent the system and participate in the Olympics when you're not eligible. Got it.
3 comments:
I haven't been following the games much.. been too busy. But i have noticed a few of the more outrageous things, like the underage gymnasts and the faked fireworks. :P
I will admit to agreeing with the IOC guy about how Bolt should have congratulated his competition at the finish line, before his victory lap. That's just polite and good form. But IOC guy is full of shit if he thinks Bolt was being excessive..
The things Rogge said in that interview just re-iterates the reasons i dislike the way the Olympics are run these days. The games were never intended to be like the NBA. $2.2B for 'TV rights'??
Clearly there needs to be organization of the games. I won't deny that. But when you start putting tape over the logos on things like toilets out of some stupid 'branding' policy... you've gone too far.
The games need to go back to being a friendly competition between nations.
I wanted to tell you that Hubs heard on the news last night that the IOC found "new" evidence that those Chinese Gymnists are only 14. If that's true, they'll strip all their medals and China will only end up with 2 bronze - for the girl who actually is over 16. I thought you'd like that news. I'll see if I can find an article on it and keep you updated!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26337759/
Interesting...
First of all, why would ANYONE expect that just because the Chinese Government says its true, it must be true. Do Chinese officials really think that we should believe what they say? They're the Chinese goverment, for crying out loud.
Secondly, notice on the 2nd page.
"Earlier this month, the AP found registration lists previously posted on the Web site of the General Administration of Sport of China that showed both He and Yang were too young to compete. He was born Jan. 1, 1994, according to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 registration lists. Yang was born Aug. 26, 1993, according to the 2004, 2005 and 2006 registration lists. In the 2007 registration list, however, her birthday has changed to Aug. 26, 1992."
How convenient that in 2007, she was suddenly born in 1992, not 1993.
The whole thing just makes me sad. That they have to cheat (allegedly) to win is really too bad.
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