I don’t understand why nobody is ripping apart the IOC for buying into the duplicitous statements of the Chinese about human rights violations, worker safety, and pollution.
Especially when nobody is scared to rip Usain Bolt, a powerless track star from the tiny island of Jamaica, as cocky after he shattered two long-standing world records in the 100m and 200m. I’m referring in particular to Jacques Rogge, the chairman of the IOC.
See this really annoys me. There is this double standard on humility which perturbs me so much.
Sports were meant to be a release. Something where the contestants could display the results of a lot of talent and hard work, and be proud of it too.
Yet once a winner becomes genuinely excited, and deservedly so, then he gets ripped apart. The guy’s proud of his country, more so than he is of breaking world records, so I don’t see how he’s become a pariah to some.
It’s a joy to see somebody like Usain Bolt winning medals because unlike 99.9% of athletes, he isn’t afraid to show some unbridled emotion when he deserves it. He acts like Usain Bolt and not some factory produced machine (e.g. Chinese gymnasts).
*Also I’m glad because I’m Jamaican-American and he’s a Jamaican who is owning, but that’s something else altogether.*
How often do you see an athlete after winning a national championship or a similar event respond with the same bland “I have to give props to all my competitors for trying hard” hodgepodge that is poison to the ears. It’s understandable to be respectful of your competition, sure.
But how about a “I really deserved to win” response once in a while. That’s what Usain Bolt physically showed on the track this week.
I’m not saying contestants should rub it in and be unsportsmanlike, but that accusation does not apply to Usain Bolt.
Because last time I checked, the textbook definition of sportsmanship included “enjoying yourself”. The young man’s just having a little fun. It’s what the Games are for.
*I feel weird calling Usain Bolt a young man when he’s three years older than I…*
Jacques Rogge, do us all a favor and go fuck yourself.
