Full Version: Usoc Asks....
Hey, this is a topic thingy for your opinion on what the USOC asked the american athlethes to do during the Athen's olympics. Just so all of you know, the USOC (U.S Olympic Commite) asked american athletes to "Tone it down" in the games... Their also asking them to do things such as to carry other flags down the lane once they win, instead of the american flag, not to do any "victory dances", and are considering not letting a few basketball players not play, because of their agressivenes..... Tell me what ya think about that...
Well, considering that several bombs have been planted in Athens in these last few months, most of them going off successfully, I'd consider those requests to be pretty reasonable. The Greek government has proven itself incapable of handling the security situation (as worryingly easily proven by a journalist for The Times a couple of weeks back), so UCOS has a good cause to try and limit attacks through other means.
It's an understandable principle really - ask the Americans to tone down their patriotism (where otherwise it is usually quite obvious) in order to lessen their chances of becoming targets of terrorist attacks. It might be an idea for the Bush administration to consider applying the same tactics, so that it might reduce the antagonism felt by other countries, and hence the risk of terrorism.
It's an understandable principle really - ask the Americans to tone down their patriotism (where otherwise it is usually quite obvious) in order to lessen their chances of becoming targets of terrorist attacks. It might be an idea for the Bush administration to consider applying the same tactics, so that it might reduce the antagonism felt by other countries, and hence the risk of terrorism.
I see no reason for a winning athlete to be denied the chance to carry their flag if everybody else is doing it. If it's a unilateral thing though...
As for not allowing particularly aggresive athletes to compete, well, if they're intent on mowing down all opposition at all costs they are going against the spirit and stated purpose of the games, and as such, certainly should be excluded. I'm also all for victory dances and the like being toned down, as to my mind they are graceless, and lacking in good taste.
As for not allowing particularly aggresive athletes to compete, well, if they're intent on mowing down all opposition at all costs they are going against the spirit and stated purpose of the games, and as such, certainly should be excluded. I'm also all for victory dances and the like being toned down, as to my mind they are graceless, and lacking in good taste.
If I found that my life was at stake by celebrating a victory, then I wouldn't compete.
I don't think there is any suggestion that trying to win isn't allowed. It's more that running about screaming "In your face" at the other competitors is needlessly antagonistic, and very bad manners to boot.
Good sportsmanship is taught to american atheletes at a young age, they know better. And even if they did slip up, the losing opponent would just walk away in good composure while thinking about how much the victor sucks. If both sides have poor sportsmanship, then what's the point of even having an olympics.
Personally i think it's an outrage they should be allowed to carry there own flags and show pride in the nation that trained them.
On another note, maybe all the American athletes could boycott the games, because of this. Give the rest of us a chance to win some medals .................. The UK may even get a GOLD.
On another note, maybe all the American athletes could boycott the games, because of this. Give the rest of us a chance to win some medals .................. The UK may even get a GOLD.
Does anyone have a link to some information about this? I'd like to know exactly what they're banning, and whether other athletes are allowed to do what they're asking the Americans not to or whether they just want Americans to keep their patriotism within the boundaries that everyone else observes.
QUOTE
Statement From United States Olympic Committee Chief Executive Jim Scherr Regarding U.S. Athletes Celebrating With The American Flag At The Athens Olympic And Paralympic Games
by - U.S. Olympic Committee (719-866-4529)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
"The United States Olympic Committee wants to make it absolutely clear that we have not -- and will not -- instruct our athletes to refrain from waving the United States flag during the upcoming Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games. Any suggestions or statements to the contrary do not reflect the official position of our organization.
Athletes will be free, as always, to celebrate their performances in an exuberant, respectful way during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We will remind our athletes that they are guests of the Olympic movement, Greece, and the city of Athens and to be good ambassadors of our country, their communities, families and sports. We want our athletes to be champions who conduct themselves with class and, if it is the case, to lose with grace and dignity. Additionally, we are reminding them to treat the United States flag with the respect it deserves.
One of the proudest moments of my life was to put on my USA warm-up and represent my country at the 1988 Olympic Games. I know our athletes feel the same way today and we will not in any way infringe upon that honor.
Accomplishments of athletes and teams such as the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, the great Billy Mills, swimming legend Janet Evans and countless others have inspired our nation. We are certain that the athletes who represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games will do the same."
by - U.S. Olympic Committee (719-866-4529)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
"The United States Olympic Committee wants to make it absolutely clear that we have not -- and will not -- instruct our athletes to refrain from waving the United States flag during the upcoming Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games. Any suggestions or statements to the contrary do not reflect the official position of our organization.
Athletes will be free, as always, to celebrate their performances in an exuberant, respectful way during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We will remind our athletes that they are guests of the Olympic movement, Greece, and the city of Athens and to be good ambassadors of our country, their communities, families and sports. We want our athletes to be champions who conduct themselves with class and, if it is the case, to lose with grace and dignity. Additionally, we are reminding them to treat the United States flag with the respect it deserves.
One of the proudest moments of my life was to put on my USA warm-up and represent my country at the 1988 Olympic Games. I know our athletes feel the same way today and we will not in any way infringe upon that honor.
Accomplishments of athletes and teams such as the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, the great Billy Mills, swimming legend Janet Evans and countless others have inspired our nation. We are certain that the athletes who represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games will do the same."
http://www.usocpressbox.org/usoc/pressbox....3f?OpenDocument
That sounds fair enough to me.
QUOTE (CommieBastard @ Jun 8 2004, 05:40 PM)
That sounds fair enough to me.
Don't know if that's what you wanted Boss, but it's all i could find being a lowly Welshman and all that ..................../tips flatcap backs out of room
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