Michael Phelps has had me glued to my TV all week, and from what I gather, people are rooting for Phelps all around the world.
Apart from becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time, there is something magical about his races. When Phelps is in the pool, I know that I am watching something historic. But what I like most about Phelps is that he is, above all, a fair competitor.
Everyone can appreciate dedication, talent and a “fair game.” But despite stand-out stars, every Olympic Games in recent memory has been tainted with one controversy or another. In Beijing, the biggest scandals seem to have come from the Chinese.
Before the games began there was buzz about the age of the Chinese gymnasts. In women's gymnastics, athletes have to be 16 years old to compete in an Olympic Games. The Chinese government provided passports for the team, to prove their individual ages. But you don't have to be a rocket scientist to tell the difference between a teenager and an 11-year-old. Half the team is missing baby teeth, for crying out loud.
And then there was the hullabaloo about the poor little girl who was booted from the opening ceremony for being too chubby and having crooked teeth. Her rendition of the Chinese national anthem was apparently lip-synched by a “cuter” child. Sources say the last-minute switch was made in an effort to make the best impression on a world audience.
But the Chinese aren't the only ones stirring the pot.
Today, I saw an appalling photograph of the Spanish basketball team, all pulling the corners of their eyes back to look “Asian” for an ad-campaign. The team insists it was done in good humor. Who's laughing?
I'm tired of controversy. I'm tired of cheating, crooked judges, doping and worst of all terrorism. I want to remember the “Dream Team” in 1992, with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
I want remember the “Magnificent Seven” when gymnast Kerri Strug bravely vaulted on a sprained ankle to win team gold.
And I want to remember Michael Phelps as being the greatest athlete in Olympic history.
Accolades should always take a back seat to good sportsmanship.
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
Everyone can appreciate dedication, talent and a “fair game.” But despite stand-out stars, every Olympic Games in recent memory has been tainted with one controversy or another. In Beijing, the biggest scandals seem to have come from the Chinese.
Before the games began there was buzz about the age of the Chinese gymnasts. In women's gymnastics, athletes have to be 16 years old to compete in an Olympic Games. The Chinese government provided passports for the team, to prove their individual ages. But you don't have to be a rocket scientist to tell the difference between a teenager and an 11-year-old. Half the team is missing baby teeth, for crying out loud.
And then there was the hullabaloo about the poor little girl who was booted from the opening ceremony for being too chubby and having crooked teeth. Her rendition of the Chinese national anthem was apparently lip-synched by a “cuter” child. Sources say the last-minute switch was made in an effort to make the best impression on a world audience.
But the Chinese aren't the only ones stirring the pot.
Today, I saw an appalling photograph of the Spanish basketball team, all pulling the corners of their eyes back to look “Asian” for an ad-campaign. The team insists it was done in good humor. Who's laughing?
I'm tired of controversy. I'm tired of cheating, crooked judges, doping and worst of all terrorism. I want to remember the “Dream Team” in 1992, with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
I want remember the “Magnificent Seven” when gymnast Kerri Strug bravely vaulted on a sprained ankle to win team gold.
And I want to remember Michael Phelps as being the greatest athlete in Olympic history.
Accolades should always take a back seat to good sportsmanship.
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
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