Athens - In a world where countries supposedly don't wage war anymore, the
Olympics has become the modern stage where different nationalities compete.
Or so we are told.
Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics the popularity of the United States has
plummeted to an all-time low. The invasion of Iraq and the unpopular foreign
policies of the Bush administration has been the major contribution, with
the "Tallest Tree Syndrome" also being a factor.
World politics are present at the Athens Olympics and in some cases palpably
so.
On Tuesday I attended the semi-finals of the women's waterpolo. In the first
game Italy defeated the more fancied American team in no small measure due
to the support of the crowd.
As in most events the USA team had vocal support, but the Americans have had
to face not only the fans of their direct opponents, but also that of the
neutrals in the crowd.
Italians, Australians, Germans, South Africans all "united" as they chanted
"Italia Italia Italia". So it has been with most events. I've seen it at the
beach volleyball and at the athletics.
A columnist in the New York Times earlier in the week bemoaned the fact that
the American athletes in Athens "are trying so hard to curb their usual
chesty, preening, flag-waving behaviour, in accordance with the US Olympic
Committee's fears about security in an anti-American climate, that it may be
dulling the American team's edge".
The excuses of the Americans after each loss are starting to rival those of
our own South African athletes.
Its been a struggle to find South African competitors that are in with a
chance of a medal. For once the Greeks can't be blamed.
In the weeks and the months leading up to the Olympics the local organising
committee were slated for the supposed shortcomings of the preparations.
The organisation at the various events have been first class. The transport,
the hordes of volunteers, the weather have all contributed to make the trek
across the city in search of that allusive moment when you could witness
your country winning a medal a pleasure.
Apart from the sport what makes the Olympics such a special event is the
truly international flavour that the supporters from across the world bring
to the event.
The Olympics is the place where the world meets. Supporters throng the old
streets of Athens with thousands hanging out soaking in the atmosphere till
the early hours of the morning.
Athens is abuzz with colour, people, sound and a general party
atmosphere.
Although these Games in Athens have been tainted - as has previous Games -
by the scourge of doping, the occasion is one to savour.
If only I could find that event where a South African clinches a medal. One
thing I'm sure of, if they compete against an American athlete they will
have the support of the majority of the spectators.
