It was heralded as the one of the greatest Olympic Games in history. Beijing 2008 began with a remarkable opening ceremony; its highlight the sight of thousands of men beating drums inside the gigantic newly built Olympic Stadium, romantically named the Bird's Nest owing to its thatched design.
But, was it worth it? Did the Olympics justify its billion-Dollar price tag? Should China have been the host nation in the first instance? Broken promises, infringement of human rights, and lack of freedom for its people (and the journalists covering the Games) are reasons that suggest not. And of course we all know about the tragic events that have taken place in Tibet. But what is even more depressing is the vast amount of money spent on the Olympic games that could have been spent on more worthwhile causes. Yes, to stage an event as magnificent as an Olympic games requires large sums of cash, but this games broke all spending records. People were thrown from their homes, which were demolished to make way for new huge and expensive sports arenas that now lie dormant and empty and new apartment buildings were constructed for tourists that came and went, and that ordinary Chinese cannot afford.
The Olympics is traditionally a competition that has encouraged all nations to compete and come together in a friendly atmosphere. Taking part came first, winning was only a bonus. Unfortunately, more markedly in Beijing than in previous competitions winning gold medals took precedent over the art of pure competion.
Historically China has been a bastion of equality under the communist banner. In 1978 however this all changed when Deng Shaio Ping originated the Open Door Policy to foster a commercial mentality, exclaiming that 'to get rich is to get glorious'. This mentality has seeped into all areas of Chinese life, and particularly into the sports arena. China invested millions of dollars in training schemes, sports centres and coaches not to cement a sporting legacy but simply win the most gold medals, and top the medals table in 2008. This mentality even extended itself in the gymnastics arena in the form of entering fourteen year old girls with fake passports into competitions to win Golds in front of audiences around the world. Sadly, Liu Xiang was scorned and berated when he was forced to pull out of the 110 meter hurdle competition with a foot injury. He had been the face of the games in China, and one of few medal prospects in the track and field. Such was the Chinese hunger for success that his withdrawal made him a public hate figure.
China is not the only guilty party either. Great Britain, in its dash for Olympic success invested millions in specifically chosen events in which the GB Olympic Board felt success could be guaranteed. By investing heavily in futuristic bicycle technology, expensive yachts and shiny rowing boats the majority of GB's gold medals were achieved in elitist sports with few serious competitors. What percentage of the countries competing in the Olympics can afford to compete in events like sailing? Indeed, what percentage of the British population can afford a racing bike, kayak or shiny topper (a small racing boat, yup)? The lack of countries from Africa competing in these events highlights the lack of equality at the Beijing games.
London 2012 can be hugely successful in comparison to Beijing. But the International Olympic Committee and the GB organisers need to get their acts together. Currently only members of the Rich Man's Club are able to compete in a number of high-profile events like sailing, rowing and cycling. The number of medals on offer in these elitist sports should be halved, and more emphasis placed on track and field where all countries can compete on an equal playing field.
The Olympics also needs to regain its party atmosphere, visibly missing in China under the paranoid watchful eye of the state government. It is a cause for celebration and an opportunity for people to enjoy themselves whether they are athletes, spectators or members of the local community. This should and will happen in London.
But what the Olympic Games needs to regain most is its raison d'etre. It is an event for all countries to come together in peace and to respect each other's values and principles. This is impossible if rich nations are effectively allowed to 'buy' medals. Perhaps one way of achieving this would be to scrap official medals tables altogether and simply enjoy the occasion.
16/09/2008
King Kev?
Gloomy times in Newcastle at the moment. The man who relinquished his post at Fulham, resigned from his job at Manchester City, and walked out on England has now resigned as manager of Newcastle. For the second time.
Yesterday, thousands of Newcastle fans decided to skip a day of work to stand outside St James' Park battling the torrential rain to protest Kevin Keegan's decision to leave Newcastle after citing that he was unable to work with club's owners. Keegan was effectively reduced the position of coach, and was not consulted when new faces were brought into the football club. Unsuprisingly, given his erratic history he walked out on the club.
Should Newcastle fans be dissapointed? Yes, they should be outraged by the fact that the club's owner, Mike Ashley is apparently deciding who comes and goes at St James' Park. This should be the task of the manager. But they should not be so disheartened by Keegan's exit. Is he really the Messiah Newcastle fans believe him to be? Is he even a good football manager? No he isn't. Newcastle fans should remember this is the same man who left Newcastle all those years ago, without any hint of explanation or apology. This is the man who who led Newcastle to victory in barely a third of games during his second spell at the club. Neither is Keegan a good tactician. He makes every decision with his heart. Yes he is endearing, one of the reasons Geordies warm to him so much, but he annot be relied upon to make good decisions. The fact that he protested at the board's willingless to get rid of Joey Barton emphasises this point. Barton should have gone - he can only add to Newcastle's woes. And Newcastle fans should remember that Keegan has never won a major trophy as a manager.
The statements Keegan made on leaving were disrespectful to the new players who joined the club on transfer deadline day. Keegan mocked them as he plotted his exit - God knows how they feel at this moment. It is also worth noting that the players who were brought in have performed magnificently in the opening games of the Premiership. Gutierrez and Collocini in particular have looked like great signings.
It is time for the board at Newcastle to enforce stability and lead from the top. It is time for Mike Ashley to stop wearing his XXL Newcastle shirt during mtches whilst downing lager and mingling with the fans. He is the man who now has to set an example and instill leadership at a club that quite frankly is the worst run in the Premier League. Keegan should not have been appointed in the first instance. It was a very bad decision. It is now time for Newcastle to refocus, and rebuild solid foundations at a club that needs them, particuarly in these turbulent economic times.
Newcastle United needs stability. Keegan is not the man to provide it.
Yesterday, thousands of Newcastle fans decided to skip a day of work to stand outside St James' Park battling the torrential rain to protest Kevin Keegan's decision to leave Newcastle after citing that he was unable to work with club's owners. Keegan was effectively reduced the position of coach, and was not consulted when new faces were brought into the football club. Unsuprisingly, given his erratic history he walked out on the club.
Should Newcastle fans be dissapointed? Yes, they should be outraged by the fact that the club's owner, Mike Ashley is apparently deciding who comes and goes at St James' Park. This should be the task of the manager. But they should not be so disheartened by Keegan's exit. Is he really the Messiah Newcastle fans believe him to be? Is he even a good football manager? No he isn't. Newcastle fans should remember this is the same man who left Newcastle all those years ago, without any hint of explanation or apology. This is the man who who led Newcastle to victory in barely a third of games during his second spell at the club. Neither is Keegan a good tactician. He makes every decision with his heart. Yes he is endearing, one of the reasons Geordies warm to him so much, but he annot be relied upon to make good decisions. The fact that he protested at the board's willingless to get rid of Joey Barton emphasises this point. Barton should have gone - he can only add to Newcastle's woes. And Newcastle fans should remember that Keegan has never won a major trophy as a manager.
The statements Keegan made on leaving were disrespectful to the new players who joined the club on transfer deadline day. Keegan mocked them as he plotted his exit - God knows how they feel at this moment. It is also worth noting that the players who were brought in have performed magnificently in the opening games of the Premiership. Gutierrez and Collocini in particular have looked like great signings.
It is time for the board at Newcastle to enforce stability and lead from the top. It is time for Mike Ashley to stop wearing his XXL Newcastle shirt during mtches whilst downing lager and mingling with the fans. He is the man who now has to set an example and instill leadership at a club that quite frankly is the worst run in the Premier League. Keegan should not have been appointed in the first instance. It was a very bad decision. It is now time for Newcastle to refocus, and rebuild solid foundations at a club that needs them, particuarly in these turbulent economic times.
Newcastle United needs stability. Keegan is not the man to provide it.
Football To Die For
In an era when money rules, wealthy Arabs are turning up at football clubs on a more regular basis than the weekly delivery of cornish pasties and Russian oil barons are spending their pocket money on football trophies, it is a breath of fresh air that one Premiership club has maintained some tradition and kept the club in British hands. Arsenal Football club has fought off takeover attempts from Russian billionaires and American business tycoons in the last few months as it attempts to maintain some sanity, when all around everyone seems to be going potty. Last week Manchester City was snapped up by a Middle East company with a combined wealth that outweighs even that of Roman Abramovich. Although Manchester City fans are happy, with the promise of extra transfer funds, is this takeover good for football? And is it really good for Manchester City? These are the same fans who rejoiced at the start of last season when a former Prime Minister from Thaliand bought the club and made promises he couldn't keep.
Yes, they have signed Robinho. But, did he really see himself playing for Manchester City, even an hour before he signed for the Eastands club? No. He didn't. He wanted to play for Chelsea. But then Dr Sulaiman of Abu-Dhabi United group gave him lots and lots, and a bit more money and passed him a contract and a gold pen and told him there would be more if he signed. Remember this is the player who went on strike at Santos until he forced a move to Real Madrid. Then whilst playing fot the Spanish Champions told his employers that he didn't want to play anymore, and that he was off to Chelsea. He didn't even have time to remove his dummy from his mouth before his agent told him Manchester City would pay him more than the Blues, and that is where he was going.
On the same day Manchester United spent over thirty million pounds on Dimitar Berbatov. A great footballer, but another spoilt player who decided to refuse requests from his manager to play for Tottenham and instead moaned and groaned his way out of White Hart Lane to Old Trafford.
These are sad times for English football. Money rules. Every club has adopted a 'keep up with the Jones' attitude. Even Sunderland have spent over 30 million pounds on football players in the last eight months. That is just plain ridiculous. If they are relegated, the club is effectively ruined.
Where my admiration for Arsenal grows is that its manager, Arsene Wenger refuses to be pulled in by the madness occuring around him, especially down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has spent more than treble on transfers than their nearest rivals Arsenal, but haven't come close to matching their success. Wenger has said repeatedly that he is not impressed by big names. Instead he looks for players who can adapt to the Arsenal style of play. And if they have a high price tag, they probably won't be able to. Players at the club are brought in at a young age, without egos, and are determined to learn to play with the quick deciveness and techinical ability that all Arsenal players possess. Arsenal made a profit during the transfer window last season of almost £18 million. This summer they spent what they recouped on player sales. Not bad when you consider that every other club in the premiership spent more than they recouped.
If the performance against Newcastle last weekend is replicated on a regular basis over the course of the season Arsenal will be successful despite not adding to their squad on transfer deadline day. They may not win the league, but they will certainly win over more fans playing the beautiful game the way it deserves to be played. Wenger will live or die by playing the beautiful game. But he won't spend what the club can' afford. He won't kill the club.
Yes, they have signed Robinho. But, did he really see himself playing for Manchester City, even an hour before he signed for the Eastands club? No. He didn't. He wanted to play for Chelsea. But then Dr Sulaiman of Abu-Dhabi United group gave him lots and lots, and a bit more money and passed him a contract and a gold pen and told him there would be more if he signed. Remember this is the player who went on strike at Santos until he forced a move to Real Madrid. Then whilst playing fot the Spanish Champions told his employers that he didn't want to play anymore, and that he was off to Chelsea. He didn't even have time to remove his dummy from his mouth before his agent told him Manchester City would pay him more than the Blues, and that is where he was going.
On the same day Manchester United spent over thirty million pounds on Dimitar Berbatov. A great footballer, but another spoilt player who decided to refuse requests from his manager to play for Tottenham and instead moaned and groaned his way out of White Hart Lane to Old Trafford.
These are sad times for English football. Money rules. Every club has adopted a 'keep up with the Jones' attitude. Even Sunderland have spent over 30 million pounds on football players in the last eight months. That is just plain ridiculous. If they are relegated, the club is effectively ruined.
Where my admiration for Arsenal grows is that its manager, Arsene Wenger refuses to be pulled in by the madness occuring around him, especially down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has spent more than treble on transfers than their nearest rivals Arsenal, but haven't come close to matching their success. Wenger has said repeatedly that he is not impressed by big names. Instead he looks for players who can adapt to the Arsenal style of play. And if they have a high price tag, they probably won't be able to. Players at the club are brought in at a young age, without egos, and are determined to learn to play with the quick deciveness and techinical ability that all Arsenal players possess. Arsenal made a profit during the transfer window last season of almost £18 million. This summer they spent what they recouped on player sales. Not bad when you consider that every other club in the premiership spent more than they recouped.
If the performance against Newcastle last weekend is replicated on a regular basis over the course of the season Arsenal will be successful despite not adding to their squad on transfer deadline day. They may not win the league, but they will certainly win over more fans playing the beautiful game the way it deserves to be played. Wenger will live or die by playing the beautiful game. But he won't spend what the club can' afford. He won't kill the club.
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