Olympics for all

I was very saddened today to hear that the International Olympic Committee has decided not to allow the athletes from Iraq to compete in the Games in China. What they, of all people should understand is what this actually means to the young athlete. This international stage comes around only every 4 years- an eternity for any athlete, making it often a single chance to compete.

Besides, even leaving the spirit of "We Are the World," Coca Cola commercials and Un Seul Peuple aside, this is supposed to be a neutral event, where athletes are judged by one standard. In this case, it's not discrimination (though I don't know) necessarily, but politics. Politics politics politics. Enough!

This reminds me of how I felt not long ago when there were protests against the Olympic torch. How can someone politicize an international competition, that is at least outwardly representative of peace, understanding and unity? How exactly does a runner/swimmer/javelin-throwing torch-bearer deserve to be threatened and upstaged by protests? An athlete whose goal is simple and pure- perfection of a sport and fair competition!

I attended a party for an (American) Olympic athlete last month. She'd just qualified for her event after years and years of training (and previous Olympic appearances) and her friends and family threw her a giant party to celebrate her achievement. The joy, pride and awe in her achievement after overcoming significant obstacles to compete was palpable, even with such a supportive environment: the party was in a large, beautiful home in Orange county, and sponsors, friends and fellow trainees were there to celebrate.

I'd like to try to picture how Dana Hussain, one Iraqi athlete, celebrated her qualification, in a time when her country is at war, and the difficulties of training and living in Iraq were likely not easy... how she's dreamed about this for months and years. And now she is unable to compete. Without the Olympics, what is the future of a female professional sprinter in Iraq? And what is the future of the children of this country that is struggling to start over- denied the inspiration and hope that comes from seeing their best compete on the world stage?
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