Author Topic: THE OLYMPIC THREAD (Read 2608 times)

frezal · « **Reply #40 on:** February 27, 2010, 03:27:37 PM »

Quote from: Jack Daniels on February 27, 2010, 02:45:35 PM

I guess the part that bothers me is the circumstances that lead them to representing the U.S. Whereas, their native country could probably benefit greatly from the exposure and morale boost that comes with having a medalist in the olympics. There were several competitors that grew up in their native countries, but when they showed promise in their respective sports they moved to the US and became citizens in the US to benefit from the more advanced facilities and resources... therefore becoming better because they had better resources, not because they were more talented then somebody else. I think it sucks that their native country does not get the exposure and rewards because those sorts of things can increase revenue and participation for their olympic programs. Making them stronger and more competitive. It wouldn't surprise me if some countries (US included) recruit possible team members from other countries and progress them through the ropes of citizenship just to win. To me, that is not in the spirit of true Olympics.

Your thoughts?

Many athletes who train in the US and live in the US do choose to compete for their native country (Yao Ming comes to mind). Forcing an athlete to compete for the country they're born in is bullsh**. What if they left that nation because they have nothing but contempt for it? Say I'm a refugee from North Korea. Why in the hell would I even compete in the Olympics if I had to represent a nation I loathe?

Jack Daniels · « **Reply #41 on:** February 27, 2010, 03:33:23 PM »

Quote from: frezal on February 27, 2010, 03:27:37 PM

What if they left that nation because they have nothing but contempt for it? Say I'm a refugee from North Korea. Why in the hell would I even compete in the Olympics if I had to represent a nation I loathe?

Valid points.

But, a refugee would loathe North Korea because of its corrupt government and policies. Even more the reason to represent the country, to be a hero for the common people and give the children something to look up to. If a person flees North Korea and wins a gold medal for the U.S. all they are inspiring North Korean Children to do is run from their country if they want to follow their dreams. If that person would be a hero in their native land, they would inspire something much greater.

R0B0SH4RK · « **Reply #42 on:** February 27, 2010, 03:54:45 PM »

I think that you've (Frezal) misinterpreted what JD is saying. While forcing anyone to compete for their birth country is bullsh**, as you say, and a probably a characteristic of totalitarian regiemes, JD's point is that the USA anlong with other economicly elite countries should not scoop up athletes from budding programs to further their own chances of winning medals. Also, I'd say Yao Ming is a different case, as he was trained in China, not the USA, and he is a professional athlete, unlike many olympians. It was only recently that the olympics allowed professional athletes to compete, too (it was actually the top amatuers in the world - this led to the Canadian hockey team boycotting many as they argued that the Soviets were so good that they could not be considered amateurs, so it was unfair that we coundn't send our pros to combat theirs).

Contempt is one thing (although North Korea's media controls are so extreme that few probably know how poor their country is), but I am of the mind that part of the deal of athletes training in the USA is that they must represent the USA too. If they want to get ahead, they know that they must train in the USA, and then represent them. It comes down really to if their desire to win at all costs outweighs their national pride.

frezal · « **Reply #43 on:** February 27, 2010, 07:16:05 PM »

At the end of the day, the US isn't forcing anybody to compete for Team USA. If the athlete chooses to use our advanced facilities and to compete for our team, then so be it.

As for North Korea, spreading the message that in order to achieve one's dreams, one must leave North Korea is a good thing. Competing for the nation would only legitimize a tyrannical regime.

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #44 on:** February 27, 2010, 09:08:22 PM »

Now, who is watching the Finland vs Slovakia? It's 5 o'clock in a morning buj I want to watch it! GO FINLAND!

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 27, 2010, 10:30:57 PM »

(DP)
Not good... After 2nd round, slovakia leads 3-1...

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #46 on:** February 27, 2010, 11:30:49 PM »

(TP)
YESS! Finland won Slovakia 5-3! WOHOO! Finland got bronze in ice-hockey! Btw, good luck to Canada!

R0B0SH4RK · « **Reply #47 on:** February 28, 2010, 02:04:55 AM »

I was cheering for the Slovaks, but I like Sami Salo because he plays for Vancouver so I'm not too bummed out.

Oh god I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight. So freaking nervous right now. Puck drop is in another 12 hours...

Somebody · « **Reply #48 on:** February 28, 2010, 08:04:33 AM »

USA
USA
USA
USA
GOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOO USA

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #49 on:** February 28, 2010, 08:06:25 AM »

Hopefully Canadians will win Gold, They deserve it! :D

System32 · « **Reply #50 on:** February 28, 2010, 08:18:56 AM »

yeah.

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #51 on:** February 28, 2010, 08:48:39 AM »

*facepalm*

Somebody · « **Reply #52 on:** February 28, 2010, 11:03:42 AM »

Quote from: Jonzu95 on February 28, 2010, 08:06:25 AM

Hopefully Canadians will win Gold, They deserve it! :D

They have enough Golds!

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #53 on:** February 28, 2010, 11:05:27 AM »

Quote from: Somebody on February 28, 2010, 11:03:42 AM

Quote from: Jonzu95 on February 28, 2010, 08:06:25 AM
Hopefully Canadians will win Gold, They deserve it! :D

They have enough Golds!

US have enough golds!!!

Somebody · « **Reply #54 on:** February 28, 2010, 12:00:49 PM »

Canada has more than we do!!!!

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #55 on:** February 28, 2010, 12:02:17 PM »

lloopp D lloopp · « **Reply #56 on:** February 28, 2010, 12:10:30 PM »

Are Ireland even in the Winter Olympics?

Jonzu95 · « **Reply #57 on:** February 28, 2010, 03:18:34 PM »

Wohoo! Canada Leads 2-0!

Sage · « **Reply #58 on:** February 28, 2010, 04:31:21 PM »

WOOOT USA ties it up!!!

Scrap Daddy · « **Reply #59 on:** February 28, 2010, 05:43:54 PM »