Well as the Oympic games are about to reach their culmination we’re seeing the downturn of many of the events. At the same time we’ve also seen a great deal of sportsmanship and outpouring sorrow and solemnity that took place after the untimely death of US men’s volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon’s father-in-law from an unsolicited violent attack by a Chinese national . The assailant then chose to take his own life by commiting suicide in jumping to his death.
Michael Phelps swims the butterfly leg of the 4x100m medley relay during the Olympics. The event was one in Phelps secured himself one of the record 8 gold medals attained at the Beijing Olympics. picture appears courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sports/olympics/swimming ………
There’ve been other controversies that’ve taken place during these Olympic games and at the same time there’s been indifference shown with regard to the irregularities that’ve come to light with regard to the officiating at several of the Olympic events. We’ve also seen that the IOC are now undertaking an investigation as to the legitimacy of the age of the Chinese female gymnasts that competed in these games. At the center of their investigation is that of He’ Kexin as to the veracity concerning her age and whether or not there was subterfuge on the part of the Chinese Olympic committee with regard to her eligibility to compete.
Usain Bolt sets a world record on the way to securing the sprint double at the Beijing Olympics. Bolt’s time of 19.30 seconds erased Michael Johnson’s 1996 world and Olympic record from the books. Bolt also broke the world record in the men’s 100m and attained a third gold medal and world record in the men’s 4x100m relay. picture appears courtesy of ap/photos/ Richard McClaughlin ………..
But while all of this has been going on and the unprecedented success of athletes Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt has been on display for the world to see. There have been some displays of egregious behavior by athletes on the field of play that has no merit as has been witnessed by the actions of Cuban tae-kwondo athlete Angel Valodio Matos. What took place on the mat between Matos and opponent Arman Chilmanov of Kazahkstan while engrossing was pleasing to watch. It was Matos’ actions that came into question after having suffered a slight leg injury during the course of the event. Given time to see his coach and for his coach Leudis Gonzales administer treatment. Both were told that they’d exceeded the time limit allowed for such an exercise.
Angel Valodia Matos places a kick to the head of Swedish referee Chakir Chelbat. Matos enraged at the loss launched his unwarranted and violent attack on the official. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/Ryder Mason …………….
What took place was an unpredented an act as one could ever have seen . Enraged that he was told that he’d exceeded the time alloted . Matos returned to the mat where unable to compose himself , he duly lost his bronze medal match to his opponent. As the bout had reached its culmination Matos then launched into a verbal assault on the officiating before preceding to attack the official who adjudicated his bout. His surly behavior witnesseed by several thousand people in the audience and an even greater worldwide audience watching on television had to be shocked by what was taking place before their very eyes.
Matos is restrained by judge Paulo Martins of Portugal while Matos’ trainer Leudis Gonzales looks on . picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/Ryder Mason ……………
And whilst much will be made of the fact the IOC conducts their ongoing investigation of the host nation’s gymnasts and the malfeasance of athletes found to have been cheating. One can only hope that they’ll also look into the matter concerning Matos’ behavior and how this incident unfolded. If nothing else the only act of recourse that can be taken by the International Tae-Kwondo Federation is to issue a lifetime ban for Matos. And for a severe rebuke of the Cuban tae-kwondo team delegation. Any further action that the IOC might deem fit would though at this be thought of as inconsequential can only enhance its reputation. If nothing else the political machinations that took place in China obtaining the games did not go unnoticed by the Western World.
Matos is restrained by coach Leudis Gonzales after kicking referee Chakir Selbat earlier . picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Ryder Mason ……….
But then again politics asides the games aren’t meant to be about the ramifications of political actions. They’re meant to be about the merits of fair play , excellence on the field of competition and sharing with their fellow athletes the endeavors of triumph.
