Aussie jock, Kylie Wheeler, is disappionted by Athletics Australia's recent decision to boycott opening ceremonies due to concerns that Beijing pollution will jeopardize the health of their track and field athletes. In yesterday’s edition of The Sydney Morning Herald, Wheeler commented on the opening ceremonies, stating: "I know the motivation and excitement it generates....it's really important for my preparation; I get excited about it, and from that I get really motivated." Clearly she sees the ceremonies as fundamental to her Olympic experience.
Maybe, just maybe, Athletics Australia is pulling a smog, I mean, smoke in mirrors trick here. There is concern across the board about China's pollution problems and the threats it poses to athletes' health. It would be very easy for a country to cry wolf and then duck out of the opening ceremonies as a "protective measure" when in fact it is simply a ploy to get their athletes even more fired up.
Stay with me here for a moment. We all know from experience that a little anger goes a long way in the gym. I would wager that sly Aussie officials are operating on that same theory. Countless grueling miles of training lead these athletes to the Olympics, the apex of their careers. The opening ceremonies are symbolic, essential. Being mandated to miss the ceremonies will leave them feeling cheated and seething with anger. Athletics Australia is hoping to harness that fury and use it to take the gold in track and field.
Sneaky and deceptive? Absolutely. But we would be fools to expect anything better from a penal colony.
Read More on the Aussie Opening Ceremonies Boycott
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