According to the link below, Hitler stayed away from the stadium instead of witnessing Jesse Owens put white superiority in doubt. I remember Owens being a smoker who died of lung cancer at a relatively early age. He was also treated as a second-class citizen in the years immediately following his gold medals performance. A pity.
Feb 8, 2022·edited Feb 8, 2022Liked by Chris J. Karr
I’m glad that the US and other countries resorted to a diplomatic boycott, as opposed to a full blown boycott. I felt that was the appropriate balance in chastising China while not unduly punishing our athletes. These athletes train for a lifetime to achieve their dream of competing at the highest level. Peak athletic performance is a limited window of opportunity, and it’s not like you are easily guaranteed another chance to compete in the next Olympiad. I can only imagine how the athletes felt to see their dreams dashed in 1980, or iron curtain athletes in 1984, after a lifetime of dedication to their sport. I agree with you that boycotts are limited in effectiveness. Rather, I’d like to see major reforms at the IOC, so the privilege for a country to host an Olympic Games is contingent on their regard for human rights.
I’ve chosen not to watch the games, as I resent and am angered by China and their actions to date. But I am rooting for our American athletes to go out there and pull many Jesse Owens(a real American hero in my opinion), bring home medals and make us proud.
According to the link below, Hitler stayed away from the stadium instead of witnessing Jesse Owens put white superiority in doubt. I remember Owens being a smoker who died of lung cancer at a relatively early age. He was also treated as a second-class citizen in the years immediately following his gold medals performance. A pity.
https://www.ozy.com/true-and-stories/which-leader-snubbed-jesse-owens-hint-it-wasnt-hitler/71998/
I’m glad that the US and other countries resorted to a diplomatic boycott, as opposed to a full blown boycott. I felt that was the appropriate balance in chastising China while not unduly punishing our athletes. These athletes train for a lifetime to achieve their dream of competing at the highest level. Peak athletic performance is a limited window of opportunity, and it’s not like you are easily guaranteed another chance to compete in the next Olympiad. I can only imagine how the athletes felt to see their dreams dashed in 1980, or iron curtain athletes in 1984, after a lifetime of dedication to their sport. I agree with you that boycotts are limited in effectiveness. Rather, I’d like to see major reforms at the IOC, so the privilege for a country to host an Olympic Games is contingent on their regard for human rights.
I’ve chosen not to watch the games, as I resent and am angered by China and their actions to date. But I am rooting for our American athletes to go out there and pull many Jesse Owens(a real American hero in my opinion), bring home medals and make us proud.