With the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics having drawn to a close, there comes a time to look back on and reflect on the historic games. Not only did Canadian athletes, especially the women, far exceed expectations, improve on the medal count achieved in London 2012, partake in the greatest bromance of the century, but also showed incredible class in the face of adversity. Despite the impressive camaraderie from athletes from all four corners of the world, there was an astounding amount of poor sportsmanship from athletes, coaches and spectators alike. I understand that everyone is human and makes mistakes and poor choices, but I do not believe that there is any excuse for unsportsmanlike conduct, especially on a stage as high-profile and influential as the Olympics.
This has lead me to the question, “What exactly is the Olympic Spirit? What sets the Olympics apart from other international events?”
Before I get into that, I would like to revisit certain events that struck a sour chord with me personally. These are all examples of what I believe goes against the purpose and yes, the spirit of the Olympic Games as a cultural and athletic institution.
Renaud Lavillenie vs. The Crowd: An all-around lack of poise and class
French pole vaulter and current world record holder Renaud Lavillenie was at the center of controversy following his silver medal performance. During the competition, the Frenchman’s demeanour could only have been described as being cocky, arrogant and overly defensive. As I watched him and his fellow pole vaulters compete, it was not his behaviour during the event that took me aback, but afterwards. While gold and bronze medallists Thiago Braz da Silva and Sam Kendricks were celebrating, Lavillenie looked indignant in spite of a silver medal and failed to show any national pride, not taking a lap and even going as far as to wipe his face with the French flag. It must also be stated that the Brazilian crowd was far less than cordial, booing Lavillenie not only while he was competing, but as he stood on the podium to receive his medal, bringing him to tears. This is not to say that Lavillenie was the picture of class, but no athlete deserves to be treated with such disrespect by the crowd, regardless of the situation, especially during a medal presentation. After the incident at the medal ceremony, Lavillenie compared the way that he was treated to that of Jesse Owens, the African American runner who competed in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany. He has since apologized for his comments, but they have still left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans.
Mongolian Coaches Put on Quite a Show
Following a controversial last-minute call that lost Mongolian wrestler Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran a bronze medal, his coaches did something that one would have expected: they stripped down to their skivvies on the edge of the ring, and later had to be escorted out of the venue by police. It was understandable that they were frustrated, even furious, but there really is no excuse for such an, uhh, display. Even Mandakhnaran himself was visibly upset, but he did not take out his anger on anyone, instead victimizing the mat. After he gathered himself up, he went and congratulated his opponent in an admirable show of sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the same could not have been said for his coaches. Thank goodness that they were wearing good underwear, otherwise the crowd may have gotten an even more extensive view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrupwYdwW1I
Russian Whistleblowers Living on the Run
This is not an event specific to the games themselves, but rather the result of the culmination of several incidents. Yulia and Vitaliy Stepanov, who are best known for revealing the Russia’s state-sponsored doping program to the world, have been living in the US since 2014 out of fear for their lives. After being treated like traitors and outsiders in their own country, they elected to make the move in order to protect themselves and their young son. While the games were going on, Yulia Stepanova, who is an Olympic 800m track specialist, confirmed reports that her ADAMS account (an account that the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] uses to locate athletes in order to facilitate random drug testing) was hacked, forcing her and her husband to move yet again. Stepanova originally applied to compete in Rio under a neutral flag, but this hope was extinguished when the IOC banned all Russian athletes with a history of doping from competing. It is just so astonishing to me the extent to which a nation will go to defend illegal activity and how badly those who try to encourage honesty and fairness in sport are slandered and threatened.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R5uyTaFGZY
[Source] [Source](Dis)honourable Mentions
- Ryan Lochte lies about being held at gunpoint
- Yulia Efimova booed at Olympic swimming events after controversial doping ruling
- Egyptian Judo athlete Islam el Shehaby sent home after refusing to shake hands with opponent
In Part 2, I will explore the greatest successes of Rio 2016 in promoting what I believe the Olympic Spirit encompasses, from Canadian athletes to those from beyond our borders.
