The Paris games are finally over. I carry a lot of enthusiasm leading up to an Olympics event and this was no different. The enthusiam however doesn't disappoint as the games at least remain memorable in my mind. This Olympics was quite different in that regard, and for some reason I can't quite put my finger round it.
These games seem like one to be easily forgotten, save for a few moments of genuine brilliance and inspiration. Certainly there was also some unforgettable humor such as the Turkish shooter whose pose and performance went viral. Yet the reason the Olympics left so much to be desired is because of activities that took place outside the sporting arena, or beyond the communion of countries which is kind of what makes the Olympics a big deal.
From the get go we had controversy written everywhere. The opening ceremony was controversial in itself with the Organisers choosing to lecture the World about their own views on gender and inclusion. We also had several sporting performances mired in controversy such as the Algerian female boxer (wrongly?) accused of being a biological male, or the Canadian Women's Pole Vaulter who won bronze by the way - making the news more for her Onlyfans page than her athletics performance.
There's also the fact that for such an event that gulps Billions of Dollars, there is little thought given to the performers that make it possible, the Athletes. I think this opinion is worthy of its own separate piece so I'll leave it like that for now.
I enjoyed watching and acknowledge the brilliance of many athletes during the game. Basketball, Track and field, Swimming and Wrestling provided some really good highlights for me. Overall the performers were great. I just wish they weren't overshadowed by the culture and politics of the day.