Disrespect at the Olympics

"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."Olympic Charter, Fundamental principles, paragraph 2

I have to comment on the running of the men’s 100m dash yesterday. During the semifinals, two American runners looked at each other during the race and signaled to each other as though they should take the race. At the finish they bumped chests together and strutted. This is not the behavior of world class athletes in an Olympic games. One of them went on to win the gold medal but it makes me nervous to watch the relay race with twice as much testosterone on the line.

What these runners did was disrespectful to the runners, fans and the Olympics.
What has happened to respect and decorum? There should be zero tolerance for this behavior and a greater awareness that they are representing 281 million Americans who paid for their trip, their training and their right to wear USA of the front of their uniforms.

Time and again American athletes embarrass themselves and their fans. But this was on a bigger scale. This was international. It is a time to remember that you are American first, athlete second, college star third, ‘ insert name’ fourth. A race that lasts 10 seconds will not be as remembered as that bump on the chest and swagger on the track.

We as a country need a lesson in humility and how to win graciously. You don’t have to look too far back, just say Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who quietly raised the standard (and visibility) of the heptathlon while winning graciously. Ms. Joyner Kersee above all has respect for the games, the sport and the spirit of international competition. These men have none.