This crap is embarrassing. I'm not just talking about the Greek Olympic team, but everyone that dopes. Just because you don't get caught doesn't make it o.k.
What's even more sick is that this is allowed to happen, people turn their heads in the name of profits and nationalism and whatever else they can benefit from a doped up athlete winning gold.
I think being Greek makes me see it being worse than someone else. The beautiful history of inventing the Olympics. I remember as a little boy telling all my classmates "You know who invented the Olympics? The Greeks..." sounding like Mr. Portokalos from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. There was so much pride about watching the Olympics, even when there were no Greek athletes on the TV, just knowing that all these people are participating in an event that was created by your ancestors. How cool is that? :tup:
But now, being older and wiser, I see all the filth that has tainted the spirit of the Olympics. I mean the whole idea of the Olympics, bringing all these people together to compete peacefully, putting aside all the m****ies that divide us and seeing who is the best athlete.
Cheating and selectively punishing the smaller countries that aren't as strong, so you can collect as much gold as possible. Sounds more like dirty politics, something that has nothing to do with what the Olympics should be about.
The opening ceremonies, the moment when all the countries of the world march into one stadium, beautiful moment right? Should be. What do the commentators talk about for most countries? Population, famous athletes, historical facts, etc.
Unless you're on their s**t list. Then you have millions of people hearing the commentator saying "their President said these controversial remarks" "this country's leader has been anti-this anti-that". Complete garbage. The Olympics, the opening ceremonies, should ONLY be about bringing people together to compete peacefully. THAT IS IT. Like I said, put your m****ies aside. NO POLITICS. NONE. Do that on CNN or Fox News, not on my ancestors cherished event, you selfish pricks with an agenda always on your mind (Yeah, I get pissed).
I've heard that the Ancient Greeks would stop war during the Olympics, or at least allow safe passage to all athletes traveling to the Olympics. And you got old men deciding to boycott the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. How selfish is that? A young man or woman practicing their whole lives for this moment, and guess what, cause some old rich and powerful guys want to "send a message" to the other country, their dream is crushed.
This is what the Olympics has become. Look at what we are talking about. This is a thread titled "Greek Olympic Team 2008", and half of the posts are about cheating, doping, politics, wearing diapers, etc.
It's just sad what the Olympics has become and it will only get worse. It wouldn't bother me as much if someone else invented the Olympics. I just feel like the ideals of my history are decaying in front of my eyes when I see what has become of the Olympics.
I hate to be so negative, is there anyone else that feels this way?