As most of us know, the 2014 Olympic winter games have arrived. Although it may seem like everything will run smoothly, there has been extensive speculation on the safety of the athletes. Some even say that terrorists are plotting to ruin these Olympics. The question is, are the Olympics really a symbol of peace? Is the athlete’s safety in jeopardy?
Since 1896, the Olympics have been an ongoing event in which different nations unite. Some of the most talented and skilled athletes from around the world compete against one another. Besides the competitive aspect to the games, there is also a friendship aspect. Furthermore, various nations have the ability to share their values, beliefs and culture. The Olympics also promotes this idea of competition, and athleticism. It gives you the opportunity to represent your nation proudly. But of course, there’s a dark side to the Olympics as well.
According to various newscasts, a plane from Ukraine was grounded in Istanbul after a Sochi-related bomb threat. The so-called terrorist was heading towards Sochi, and requested that he arrive at the Sochi venue. This had taken place right before the opening ceremonies were about to begin. Over the course of the past few centuries, we have seen that the political aspect to the games plays a significant role as to which countries feel safe to participate. For example, in the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, tension had risen. This was the first Olympic games ever to be held in Germany since the Nazis hosted them in 1936. Many countries refused to participate. Among them were the Israeli athletes, but they eventually decided to go. The 1980 games in Moscow had been boycotted due to the Soviet invasion on Afghanistan. Although the Olympics can be a time where nations unite, there is still much controversy.
In my opinion, I don’t really think the Olympics are that bad. After all, most of the Olympics that were boycotted were done so because of something pertaining to war. The Olympic venues are very well secured. At the Sochi games, some events require spectators to pass through a detector. Hundreds and hundreds of security guards are on duty. But for now, lets not take this issue to seriously.
Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/famouscrimesscandals/p/munichmassacre.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games_scandals_and_controversies