I expect that some will agree with the assessment in this post and others will disagree. Further I suspect those that disagree will be more adamant and maybe angry. So here we go. Every time I watch the Olympics I am struck by how far some of the events have strayed from the original concept of amateur sport competitions.

Let’s take this in two parts. To me it is a sport if either the scores determine the outcome in the event or by the amount of time each participant took to complete the event. However an increasing number of Olympic events are now judged subjectively. Any time subjectivity is used bias, personal feelings, animosities and even sometimes coercion and side agreements become not only possible but as history has shown a real outcome. Coercion and side agreements aside, the other factors are a part of the human condition and there is nothing that can be done to eliminate them as factors. I once witnessed this in a totally different setting – not the Olympics – where the outcome was not determined by the merits but because the judge had a bias against a lifestyle. We were sitting next to another judge and she properly picked the winner, and more importantly why the obvious best participant would not win. I will not identify the activity as to not run the risk of damaging the person that provided the insight.

It also amazes me how far afield the definition of an Olympic sport has gone. Now, don’t get me wrong the participants in these activities, and they are activities, are very talented and work very hard at there particular choice, but I question why they are Olympic sports? The classic example may be Ice Dancing – let’s face it they even call it dancing! The last time I recall dancing being a sport was when young men danced – not because they liked it – but because they had ulterior motives.

Now for the second part – what ever happened to the amateurs? Let’s face it most of the participants in the Olympics, particularly in the high profile events, earn a living, and in most cases a very good living, doing exactly what they showcase at the Olympics. Who doesn’t remember fondly the 1980 USA hockey team’s “Miracle On Ice”? I have nothing against professionals but wouldn’t it be fun to see those just below the professional level hone their skills and acquire the necessary grit to allow them to make the step to the next level?

So maybe this is just the curmudgeon in me coming out but it is what it is!