Battlemouth

I’ve been absolutely astounded by the reports coming in from the media about the lack of sportsmanship from some athletes at the Olympics. Sure it could be the fact that the Olympics are being covered heavier than they ever have been before. But come on here folks. You’re an Athlete at the Olympics. Win or lose be a good sport about it.

Sure you can be sad if you’ve lost and yes, of course you should be happy if you’ve won. Beyond happy in fact. But for god’s sake don’t be arrogant about it. When I first started swimming it was one of the very first things taught to me. Win or lose let the other people in the race know they did a great job. Take Husain Bolt for example. I won’t take away the fact that he has talent but he immediately turns me off because of how arrogant he is. Please don’t tell me he is too young to realize what he is doing. Give me a break. You’re on the Olympic stage, everyone is watching you, people look up to you. Act appropriately. Another example? How about the Cuban Taekwando Fighter that got disqualified in his match and subsequently kicked the ref in the face. Enjoy the lifetime banhammer. Or how about the boxer who thought he was gipped from a Gold or Silver medal so when he received his Bronze Medal he took it off and dropped it? Congratulations you’ve been stripped of your medal now. Don’t these people realize that they are in the top 1% of their sport and shouldn’t be acting like this? My favourite was the British 4×400 Relay Team in the Semifinals. Half way down the straight away the final leg runner started taunting the other runners behind him. Congratulations you’ve won a semifinal heat and proceeded to make your entire country look like a bunch of pricks. Don’t these people realize that what they do not only reflect on them but their teammates, coaching staff and country, as well?

I’ll pay attention to the real sportsmans and forget about the ones who are arrogant, immature, disrespectful and whatever other phrase you want to throw in here. It’s not in the spirit of the Olympics or sport for that matter and they ought to be ashamed to call themselves athletes and for representing their countries.

Photo Credit: Yasudach @ Flickr

Originally posted by Jeff @ rambls.com: link