Read a pretty vehement column in the Times yesterday lambasting the Olympics for the way the medals are still allocated heavily to 'elitist' events like equestrianism, sailing, indoor track cycling, rowing and so on. And to the highly disproportionate medal distribution amongst British athletes along socio-economic lines (ie a majority are awarded to people from public school backgrounds whilst only 7% of kids here go to public schools).

Kinda had to agree with what the guy was saying to some extent. I mean firstly we call Steve Redgrave everything but God in this country, but in a sport which is essentially confined to the Western and old Colonial elite can he truly be considered an Olympian on a par with someone like Carl Lewis or even Phelps who have both risen to the heights whilst competing against people from vastly bigger pools of talent?

And how can the Olympics really be above or beyond the normally constrictive bounds of economics when many of the events are essentially off-bounds for most of the worlds population (that even includes most in the West)? I mean sailing? Rowing? EQUESTRIANISM?

Come on


ps - to be fair I'm not taking a side completely here, its just its the first time I've read (or bothered to notice) a critique of the Olympics along these lines.

Can't be fucked with anyone being negative about this, sorry ct2k.Just enjoy it. There's nothing wrong with rowing/cycling, they're entertaining to. Why is it whenever we do well in sport we have to find negatives? God i hate newspapers.

If the aussies orsomeone dominated those events and we didn't,would the newspapers be complaining? NO. They would be complaining how shit our team is. So they can fuck right off imo.

Oh go eat a pie and lighten up you miserable Geordie minge:p

I'm not miserable,sounds to me the times/you are though. :)

Nah, I just want us to get our act back together in the Athletics, I miss the days of Colin, Roger, Linford and co:(

Just wait for 2012, when we have enough athletes to compete in those events. We are targetting having over 640 athletes in 2012.

Loving the Hammer final right now.

Today is probably the first time I've actually been able to watch any of this summer's games by the way, last day of work was friday so Im planning of watching plenty this week:D

Ooooh so that's why you're a miserable git about it. :D

I just watched Louis Smith get a bronze in the pommel horse. Had the same score as the silver medalist but less difficult routine. This guy is 19 and will definitely be competing in 2012. There's some upside there for you GBers.

Because of this let us both hope that our countries get first and second in almost every event so we can do better then everyone else ;)

The Aussies will always win...

That video is dead..

Here's the stills..

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We'll probably pick up our act next Olympics, when the stands are full of Aussies :o

Yay! 13 medals and counting!

<font color=goldenrod>Holy fuck, Bolt did it again</font>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7562840.stm

lol Phelps

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4664282a26500.html

This is gonna blow out.

Women's Beach Volleyball should always be played in the rain. And in white outfits.

I've seen He Kexin up close multiple times and there is no way she is 16.

Bloody hell, I love the Olympics. Just great entertainment.

Gold again for us. :) 18 golds, 3rd place, must be our best ever olympics.

It is, if you're a Brit.
Our 2nd best ever, pretty happy with that.

Looking forward to seeing how far Tony Jeferies can go in the boxing.

We kicked your ass in the rowing.:)

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A Future Opponent for Mirko Cro Cop?

lol @ the asian guy's teeth

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