Is it fair to the athletes?

The Olympics, the last time I checked, has so long belabored to underscore worldwide unity in the arena of sports. It has been, the last time I checked, all about a unique world gathering to showcase the best of humanity for us to celebrate. Olympics has always relayed the same message over and over: that there is a moment to be ONE, and that once every four years we celebrate our humanity by gathering peacefully, moved by one common dream to build a world where all people are equal, where all people are given a chance to prove themselves, and that all countries are participant, notwithstanding differences. That being said, I don't think the recent call to boycott the Olympics can very well do justice to the indeed-much-larger-goal of the said event. I don't think subsuming the Torch relay, for instance, in a palpably political issue about China's reputation on human rights and nasty image with its dealings with the Dalai Lama, ever does justice on the transcendental and obiquitously noble aim of the Olympics. And I don't think those who wish to give the Olympics a cold shoulder for reasons involving the gray Chinese political structure and system is actually doing justice not just to the athlete who have given their best to show what they've got, but also to the entire world population which wants to see their respective countries represented. The Olympics is not just an event; it represents the dream and ideal of the world's humanity. Reducing it to some political issue, which by the way has an own avenue of its own to be properly addressed, is really unjust and unfair not only for some involved individuals, but to the whole world which has for the past century, have always invovled itself with every Olympics.

well i think sorts is very important and such an event is a very rare one and so we should respect the sport and also the sportsmen. their concern should be kept in mind. i have seen a lot of things are being tried on china so that their reputation can be changed.

nope not fair to the athletes that have trained so hard to go to the games . I really dont think we should boycott the games but if it gets that bad that the riots it is causeing they should move the games to somewhere else

It doesn't seem fair to the athletes. Some of them only get this one shot too. Plus the Olympics were not supposed to be a political issue.

I think it is downright rediculous for them to make such a big deal out of it from what I have heard so far about it. I think it is very unfair for the athletes to possibly miss out on what they have worked so hard for. I think politics gets in the way of alot of things these days.

No I don't think it is fair to the athletes. Most of these athletes will only have one chance to go if they qualify for these games. So many have dreamed of it, it's not fair to those who qualify this time around to then find out they will not be able to go because of politics. The games are broadcast on TV, it doesn't bother me if most people choose to not travel to watch. They don't need a massive live audience with all the media broadcasting it. I think a boycott really is just detrimental to a lot of people. It's not like boycotting a product, which I totally OK with. It's taking away someone else's dream. I think if you asked anyone who is a serious athlete, they wouldn't care where the games are held, they just want their chance to compete. I'd rather have people saying we will not import Chinese products if they don't make some changes. That would be more impactful in the long run because it hurts them economically.

You are right it isn't really fair at all to those who have trained all these months even years getting ready for this big event. I think they should stop acting like children over a piece of candy and act like grown ups and stop debating about it. If anything let the athletes decide the issues and stop as I said acting like children over candy. It isn't all about them it is about the athletes and their strengths. They should have the deciding factor if they want to perform in china with all the hoopla going on about it.

No it's not fair to the athletes but I have to agree with rjscott that it's better that they miss out then to have something happen to them. Personally I think the Olympic Committee should never have awarded Beijing the Olympics when they had to do so with stipulations. If they had to make stipulations then it should have been placed elsewhere. To me they knew this could happen and didn't care that it could effect the athletes in such a way. They were irresponsible in their actions and the athletes are the ones to pay the price.

Hi Hon I just don't know what is the best way to deal with all this.. No ofcouse it's not fair to those innocent people but then to let China get away with yet another crime against humankind! scratching my head! xoxoxoxoxoo

i don't think it is fair to the athletes at all,and the olympics should be a time when the world comes together.but after reading rjscot's post and the human life we lost at munich,it makes you wonder if it is worth it,and is any humans life worth taking the risk with terrorism.cheers sue

I think sport should be seperated from politics specially in the case of olympics. it is a great event and all the world is interested in.

“one world, one dream!!!”olymics belong the athletes all over the world. some reporters from western radio or tv have a aggressive tone every time reportting a news about Tibet. one of my friends who have stayed both places,told me that "i don't think they know much about Tibet. even if they knew, they would not like to acceptany progress that Chinese goverment has made. they are for political interest rather than Tibet interest."

The athletes deserve the games, and so do the Chinese people.