Those bodies are gorgeous, and given that sports represents the last bastion of live television, the events are totally thrilling, but when it comes to the Olympic Games, can we please get a grip?
The dough dropped on the opening and closing ceremonies alone could have fed the entire world for 25 years, and that alone should send everyone into a collective crisis of conscience.
But, no, it’s hands off when it comes to the biggest spectacle in the universe.
Olympic ideal? After watching the Games (yes, I get sucked in like everyone else), it strikes me that the event is defined more by the Olympic ordeal. Paula Findlay finishes the triathlon in tears, the victim of a serious injury probably mismanaged. Clara Hughes cycles with a broken back. German diver Martin Wolfram injures his shoulder so badly, he can barely haul himself out of the pool.
Is winning really everything? Is completing your race worth damaging for life that beautiful body that got you this far? Stop calling this self-destructive behaviour heroic. After all, these people are not saving lives.
And don’t get me started on those wide-eyed six-year-old tots who, after every triumph they’ve watched at home on TV, comment, “I learned that if I set my mind to it, I can do anything.”
Sorry, sweet young things, you can’t, even if you have talent. You need a honkin’ big support system, and a wad of cash helps, too. And even then, a judge – whether incompetent or corrupt – can easily crush your dreams.
It’s often said that competing in sports offers important life lessons. Really? I’m not sure I see what Jared Connaughton can learn from stepping a half-inch out of his lane in the 4 X 100-metre relay final and getting disqualified. Don’t step on the cracks in the sidewalk?
And I’m distressed by the athletes who, under such intense pressure and living with such high expectations, feel the need to apologize when they don’t win.
Saddest for me was Findlay apologizing after staggering to the finish line dead last. Sorry for what? Nothing that happened to her was her fault.
But Olympic so-called values can really mess with your mind.
susanc@nowtoronto.com | twitter.com/nowtorontonews
