Olympic Success?

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.