US Athletes Told to ‘Cool It’ at Olympics
American athletes have been warned not to wave the U.S. flag during their medal celebrations at this summer’s Olympic Games in Athens, for fear of provoking crowd hostility and harming the country’s already-battered public image.
The spectacle of victorious athletes grabbing a national flag and parading it around the stadium is a familiar part of international sporting competition, but U.S. Olympic officials have ordered their 550-strong team to exercise restraint and avoid any jingoistic behavior.
This bothers me. I mean, I realize we’re not the popular kid on the block these days, what with the war in Iraq and anti-American sentiment in the world, including right here in our own country. But to deny a patriotic athlete the pride that winning a medal for their country brings - - it’s just sad.
I remember when Bruce Jenner did his victory lap around the track holding a US Flag in his hand.
I remember in 2002 when 8 US Athletes were picked to carry the WTC flag
Pretty soon they are going to say that US Olympic uniforms have to be any color other than red, white and blue.
Are the athletes supposed to walk the same path as the likes of Jessica Lange, and other Follywood-ites who are ashamed to be from the United States of America? Are they supposed to hide their patriotic heritage? Can they not be proud of winning for their country?
What happened to united we stand? I can hear the announcements now….”And coming up next in the track and field event will be Joe Athlete - from an undisclosed country somewhere in North America.” They’ll be able to infer the country of origin - but won’t actually be able to say it.
Shameful.
Sounds like we’re very similar in this...
4:49 pm on May 18th, 2004
It is sad isn’t it? I imagine that much of the pleasure of competing at such a high level is the chance to represent your country in what should be a non political arena. Athletes of all nations should be able to celebrate their hard earned victories regardless of the political successes/errors of their governments.
8:17 pm on May 18th, 2004
I suspect part of the motivation for the “policy” is for the protection of the athletes themselves. We have zealous fans in the US, but nothing like some of the stuff that goes on abroad.
Still, it is ridiculous, whatever the reason. Hate is an all-or-nothing kind of thing, and most of them already hate us.
11:33 pm on May 18th, 2004
Hate us? No. They hate this administration. But many folks abroad are sympathetic to U.S. who didn’t vote for Bush.
6:57 am on May 19th, 2004
I do believe that they put this announcement in place in order to protect the athletes - the fear of terrorism abroad is greater.
And rebekkah - the hatered didn’t start with the Bush administration. Just ask any of the victims of th e’93 WTC bombing, the bombing of the USS Cole and the Embassy bombings in Yemen . . . the anti-American sentiment among terrorists has been growing for decades.
8:06 am on May 20th, 2004
Well, lisa. As a world traveler, I can tell you that many folks in different countries (Europe, Asia, South America) want to talk about US Presidents and your country of origin. The worst things are said about Bush Sr. and Jr. (who they call “Tree” and “Shrub”… even in far Western China where hardly any foreigners travel.) Certain Administrations provoke anti- American sentiments and others seem to facilitate pro -American sentiments. It’s like living next to a rental apartment…good neighbors? Nasty neighbors? Depends on the change in lease every 4 years.
8:26 am on May 20th, 2004
Hey, no doubt about that rebekkah. We hear the same tree/shrub comments here in America, as well…that’s nothing new. I’m not denying that Bush has his critics worldwide - my point is that the anti-American sentiment is not unique to the Bush administration.
Truly, I believe the hatred among terrorists and their supporters has less to do with who is currently sitting in the White House and more to do with our history of foreign policy, our lifestyle - - add that to the fact that we head over there with our Christians and bibles in tow and try to convert their masses. I really don’t think, among terrorists, they care who is currently in charge in the Oval Office. And I also don’t believe they are particlarly concerned about the voting status of the victims they murder.
As for the rest of the non-terrorist world - - everyone has an opinion.
4:43 pm on May 23rd, 2004
RE: Blogs -6
1. Blog confession time: Is there a topic that you shy away from on purpose on your blog? What is that topic, and why? I try to keep my…
4:29 am on August 29th, 2004
I am a proud Aussie Girl. Although I dislike America A LOT!!!! I think that any spectator from any country should be able to cheer for their country and wave their flag!