I remember during the Olympics several media pundits were debating whether or not women's hockey should be an Olympic sport because Canada is so dominant at it. The debate goes, we are so much better than everyone else in this sport that it is not fair to hold a competition. I have been watching sledge hockey the past few days at the Paralympics, and Canada has been completely dominating. You have to ask if it is fair to other parathletes to be humiliated by our ability to kick their ass at hockey on a sled.
In all seriousness, I hope more people are watching the Paralympics. There are some great stories being told. I have a tremendous amount of respect for our sledgers, and I would encourage more Canadians to cheer for our parathletes.
Just an idea ...
ReplyDeleteBut, if they allowed Canada and the US to enter more than one team in those events, it would improve the competitive level for the overall tournament. It is clear from bob sleigh that multiple teams from the same country are allowed.
It would only delay the development of competitive teams in other countries if it were removed as an olympic sport. Consider too, that the next olympics is four years away ... that represents a significant development period for other countries.
JC Kelan
The media pundits were morons, the men's team when hockey first started did the same thing. The media is lazy and refuses to do their research.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the women's hockey teams, this reminds me of the IOC's position on the women ski jumpers, which had nothing to do with discrimination and everything to do with making sure that there enough sufficiently skilled and well-established competitors available from a variety of countries.
ReplyDeleteOur sledge hockey team is dominant. If we kick that much ass, should it be a sport? Are we too good?
ReplyDeleteTypical pundits, never excel at anything in a way that could adversely effect another's self image. I am surprised that we didn't hand out participation medals to all the athletes who bothered to show up. Now that would have been Canadian attitudes in a nut shell wouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, it should. I could care less if the other countries suck at it. That's THEIR problem, not ours.
ReplyDeleteWould watch more if could find it - very minimal coverage here. Have enjoyed what have seen. As for sledge hockey - why is it always the sports dominated by North American teams that have this question asked? Surely there are other Olympic sports that are dominated by a few countries only.
ReplyDeleteAfter witnessing our team's crushing defeat at the sticks of the Japanese, I feel as though I may have jinxed the team by writing the above post. I share responsibility. Please, don't blame our sledge hockey players. It is my fault.
ReplyDelete