Let the Games Begin

An
Iranian athlete today chose to forfeit his Olympic match in the 66-kilo
Judo event rather than enter the ring against an Israeli opponent.
The Iranian is no stiff, either.
Arash Miresmaeili
was world champion in his weight class in 2001 and 2003. We guess whether
he is a racist bigot or a principled hero depends on one’s point of view,
but considering the Israelis unfortunate history at the Olympic games,
it is a wonder they still come.

"Although I have trained for months and am in shape I refused to
face my Israeli rival in sympathy with the oppressed Palestinian people," said
Miresmaeili, 66 kg world champion in 2001 and 2003. "I am not upset
about the decision I have made."

The stunner in these Games so far, at least for
the 98% of the Sports Fans in the world who believe there really is
only
one world-wide sport, is the performance of the Iraqi soccer team. Who
knew that Iraq even had 15 guys who were capable of playing the game
at this level? Wasn’t one of Saddam’s sons the coach of the national
team? We had imagined the Iraqi national soccer team to be a bunch of
booted sergeants tromping around a pitch with their M-16s slung over
their shoulders who would have trouble with the Cambridge Rindge and
Latin High School varsity team.

Well, in the last three days the Iraqis have defeated
the supposed leaders in their group, Portugal and Costa Rica, both ranked
in the teens in worldwide soccer (FIFA)
rankings. They have guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals with their
two victories. The US Men’s team didn’t even qualify. Then again, neither
did world champion Brazil, South America being represented by Paraguay
and Argentina.

We love when this happens, every four years, the
US Presidential election and the Olympic Games within a few months of
each other. Predictable in form if not in outcome, precisely choreographed
and [packaged for TV, these events belie the general rule that news will
break out when one least expects it.  From the January Pancake Breakfasts
in New Hampshire through the hot summer of Conventions and Medals Stands,
 and on into the fall electoral climax, we can plan our viewing
habits, arrange our schedule and stock in supplies for maximum viewing
efficiency. Let the Games Begin….

Judo story from Reuters