Now, I’m not saying that Ara Abrahamian, the Swedish wrestler, was justified for throwing down his medal, and I certainly denounce Angel Matos’ reaction to being disqualified, but everytime I look up to read about the Olympics I see someone protesting and acting out. Why is that? Either these athletes are redifining the concept of a sore loser or something has definitely gone wrong with the judging in these events. I’m starting to think that its the latter, here’s Abrahamian’s defense:
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/wrestling/news?slug=ap-wre-abrahamian&prov=ap&type=lgns
So far, there has been appeals, protests, or mouth offs about judging in artistic gymnastics, wrestling, taekwondo, heck swimming, and well which event hasn’t had an appeal? The results? Someone throwing their medal down, and worse is a judge or referee getting kicked in the face. Out right dangerous. I am not siding with the ignorant behaviors, but these judges need to be fair and think long and hard before crossing anyone. The athletes in these games believe this to be the greatest sports competition and put their all into preaparing for these games. It would be detrimental for one of these athletes to go beyond what Matos did and retaliate in a more extreme manner (not that Matos’s response was not extreme). After seeing that reaction, it would not be surprising for someone to retaliate outside of the games and really “hurt” someone. Give a very proud national enough reason and it will happen. The Olympic Games is supposed to be a unifying event, full of classy sportmans and distinguished, top rated judges.
Images by AP
