To the editor:
The 2008 summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China were a blend of spectacular feats by athletes, awful political choices by the Chinese, predictable outcomes by some competitors, surprise emergences of skill by relative little known athletes, memorable moments of sportsmanship, and situations we’d rather forget. Below are some examples that stick in my mind. The Game’s opening ceremonies were as spectacular as any in scope, length, personnel involvement, and cost. China vividly demonstrated what a government could do when they do not have a pubic to answer to nor have limits on spending. China chose to produce an extravagant show rather than aid its tens of millions poor.
The physical facilities for athletes were superb. The frequency of injuries and complaints from competitors was minimal.
Because of new and rejuvenated venues, numerous world and Olympic records were established. Facilities for fans were topnotch and afforded people optimum viewing of events.
In the opening, a physically gorgeous young girl sang a beautiful song to the delight of the audience. What was not disclosed until much later was that that girl was lip-synching the words.
The actual voice came from a recording of another less physically attractive girl. The young girl with the wonderful voice was being in effect told that her skill was worth less that the skin deep attractiveness of another girl; and the prettier girl was being effectively told that her looks trumped a wonderful skill. What shameful value statements, especially at the Olympics.
Each athlete who chose to live at the Olympic Village received a painting rendered by a Chinese school child. These paintings were charming, generous, and memorable keepsakes for the athletes. These young artists have the honor of making a gift for an international athlete.
The medals for thee 2008 Summer Games had inlaid jade on one side; jade being beautiful and closely associated with China. This was an aesthetic variance that struck most people as striking.
In some events, judging and/or refereeing were dreadful. The awful quality of officiating stems from inexperience, personal/political bias, and a lack of training.
We all expect Olympic athletes to be highly trained. Why, then, should we not expect – and get – well trained judges and referees?
Most events went on as schedules, unimpeded or delayed except for a few rain delays. No political or social disruptions marred events. Athletes were not delayed in arriving at their event venue. Timing and tabulating equipment worked like a charm.
U.S. media commentator incessantly repeated a tragic faux pas they have made for years: they associate being awarded a silver or bronze medal as a “loss.” Phrases like: “He has to settle for a silver medal” were typical. How any medal achievement could be denigrated seems disrespectful to me.
The number of drug cased compared to previous Olympics decreased dramatically.
There still were a few cases; these being caught a dealt with quickly and severely. Non-athlete drug use was dramatically lower; authorities being highly vigilant and the judicial system working much faster than outsiders are accustomed to. In China deportation due to drug use/sale takes hours, not weeks or months.
Overall these 2008 summer Games ran smoothly; the Chinese planned things well. Athletes and fans we treated to a well organized, competently run, and highly competitive set of events.
Presque Isle