By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Now that the Paris Olympics have concluded, in grand fashion I might add, I’d like to share some personal reflections from a national and political perspective. The American Olympic athletes were categorically superb in every aspect of their representation: competitiveness, sportsmanship, discipline, effort, and integrity, performing as expected in several events, faltering in others and surprisingly exceeding above and beyond expectations in several. Simultaneously, the political division in America and around the world – the lingering crises in the Middle East, Europe and South America – clamored for an Olympics that juxtaposed the perversion, animus, and vitriol characterizing the political climate perpetrated by erstwhile wannabe dictators. The overall medal count was indicative of Olympics success with the Americans leading with 126, 40 of which were gold, tying them with China. It should have been 41 had we executed the baton exchange in the 4 X 100 metre relay, a race that has caused much consternation and frustration during the last 4 Olympic Games. Having coached high school track, passing the baton isn’t rocket science though it does involve having a plan (coaching), practice and execution. The fundamental mistakes consistently made by our athletes are both baffling and frustrating.
Of course, gymnast Jordan Chiles having to return her bronze medal screams political chicanery. Originally awarded fifth place, after Chiles’ coaches protested her score based on a tenth of a point not being awarded because of performance routine difficulty, the governing panel agreed, changed score, awarding her third place and the bronze medal. However, the court of appeals reversed the panel’s decision after a Romanian counter appeal, stating that the appeal occurred 4 seconds after the allotted time to file an inquiry despite evidence that the appeal was actually made 13 seconds before time expired. The IOC stands resolute that Ms. Chiles has to relinquish the medal. Her coaches are equally determined that she should be allowed to keep the bronze medal. I wonder if that iconic photo of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles genuflecting to Gold Medal winner, Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, influenced the IOC’s decision. Draw your own conclusions after viewing the picture. Oh, how times have changed.
China’s aquatics expertise and dominance, particularly diving, proved the great equalizer regarding Gold Medals as American superstars, other than Katie Ladecky, were MIA in Paris. China also excelled in table tennis, shooting and wrestling while America won a majority of its medals in track (34) and swimming (8). In other disciplines we did unexpectedly well including synchronized swimming, skate boarding, cycling, rowing, and the 1500 metre race won by Cole Hocker though Norway and Great Britain were pre-race favorites.
Now, it’s on to Los Angeles in 2028 where we can be assured that the expectations in every aspect of the Olympic experience will be magnified.
Question: WILL WE BE AN AUTOCRACY OR A DEMOCRACY?????
