When I was a child, the Olympics were a wonderful thing. Many of the reasons I got into sports evolved from the Olympics. This year I find myself as uninterested in the Olympics as I have ever been, for a few simple reasons.
The most prominent reason is that the spirit, for the most part, is entirely gone. The friendly, yet competitive atmosphere that once was the aura around these games that made them unique is now completely gone, and sportsmanship seems to be completely devoid from this game.
In 2002, there was a large controversy about figure skating being fixed, and the bribery of the French judge, which caused a medal decision to be reversed. Unfortunately, this has given some precedent to a huge outcry from the South Koreans over a scoring error for men's gymnastics. Bottom line: Paul Hamm won the gold when a South Korean performed a harder routine.
The fact is the judges made an error, but it was an unintentional error and the decision should not be reversed. There are procedures from protesting errors made on the floor immediately, and unless there are new developments or a sign of a fix, which I do not believe had anything to do with the scoring error, then the ruling should stand and Hamm should maintain the gold medal.
The second major disappointment is the so-called American 'Dream Team' which cannot seem to do more than tread water in this years Olympics. The difference between the first dream team and the current dream team is simple when looking at the rosters.
In 1992, there was a balance on the lineup between stars, role players, passers and rebounders that the current lineup lacks. The current lineup also lacks the biggest need for any team: experienced players. This, along with the fact that this team is losing when it really shouldn't is the main reason why I have become disinterested in my favorite sport come Olympic time.
Another problem I am having with this years games is the lack of any compelling stories to pull me through the game. Outside of Michael Phelps, there is no star to emerge from these games, like Michael Johnson, Kerri Strug, or the women's soccer team.
The final issue I am having with this years Olympic games is the lack of good sportsman ship all around. The Olympics used to be about the love of a game, not about winning. What does the US gain by having 20 more medals than China? Do we gain any economic, social, or political power from Olympic awards? No, we don't. The fact is the Olympics have become a place for countries to act like children.
Of course, this phenomenon is not limited to the Olympics. Anyone who has been to a youth soccer, basketball or baseball game can tell you that. There has been an increasing trend among Americans, and it appears the world, to put an increased focus on winning games, when winning should not be the main goal.
What should the main goal of the Olympics be? Celebrating athleticism and peace.
Unfortunately, this increased focus on winning has led to the doping scandals, the figure skating ruling and the latest protest on men's gymnastics.
I wish we could live in a world where people would realize that when it comes to the Olympics and Little League, winning doesn't matter, but maybe that's too much to ask for people trying to live vicariously.
Write to Will at wjohargan@bsu.edu
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