If we can’t compete, we shouldn’t go
Tuesday August 19 2008
So far, we have had a swimmer whose goggles fell off, a woman in her 30s who finished the marathon in 63rd position and proceeded to kiss the ground when she did so and two of our female track prospects simply saying it just “wasn’t happening for me today”.
Well, sorry, love – if it isn’t happening on the world stage, you may as well throw your hat at it.
When asked about the marathon runner on RTE, Gerry Daly said she deserved to be there as she was a great athlete for 10 years and “is great gas”.
Hmm . . . ah, well then, sure that’s reason enough.
As I type, China have publicly berated one of their athletes as he only got bronze.
In the steeplechase, our girl came 23rd and was surprised as she was not up with the leaders.
The rowers were delighted to get as far as a semi-final and thought this was a great achievement. I wonder did Mr Phelps go to the games with the same mentality: “Wouldn’t it be great if I qualified for the semis?”
Come on Ireland. We can’t blame the climate, injuries and so on, while our English counterparts are near the top of the medal table.
If we know before the games we are nowhere near the times that are going to win, stay at home.
Gone are the days of “it’s all about taking part” . . . it’s not. It is about being in with a shout. Just ask any devastated Gaelic footballer or hurler every Sunday.
As I close, the hammer thrower has failed to qualify as she wasn’t up to her optimum level.
Perhaps I had better go – I see something hard and round on a chain heading for my window!
TARQUIN MONTREAU
CASTLEKNOCK, DUBLIN
IT is time that after each win by an Olympic gold medallist that they either voluntarily offer themselves for testing, or that the authorities automatically test them as a matter of routine.
Perhaps then we could be sure that their winning efforts were not drugassisted and nobody would have to be offended.
CLONDALKIN, DUBLIN
