Games’ Competitive Standards
The Commonwealth Games have been around for years and during its course, it has provided an avenue for dreams of young athletes from member nations to become realities.
However, I can’t help but wonder if it also provides a good gauge for the athlete’s ability in the sport he or she is competing in. Or if the Games is really important to athletes.
One observation is Australia’s own Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett have pulled out of the Games. I know they have their reasons for pulling out but I can’t help but speculate.
Also, take the case of what Team England’s Nathan Roberston’s [Badminton] thoughts about the lack of presence of the world’s best in his event, which currently comes from China, Indonesia, Korea and Denmark. These countries will not be participating since they are not members of the Commonwealth. This takes away the fact that the athlete will not compete as strongly as he or she would in a situation, with full knowledge that he or she will be tested against the best. This definitely will give a whole new meaning to the competition.
Then again, if athletes continue to set world records during the Games, too, and not just in the Olympics then perhaps it can boost its shaky reputation.
However, there are some athletes who consider a Games medal as the summit for his or her event. Like in the case of Team England’s Steve Farish [Lawn Bowl], who considers winning the Gold during the Commonwealth Games as the highest medal, higher than the world title, he can ever win.
Anyway, I just fear the time when or if the Games will fade and just become a glitzy parade of nations wanting to separate themselves from the rest of the world or worse, turn into an expensive passe get-together that can be likened to a company outing, and fail to harness sporting greats within the Commonwealth Nations as it was originally planned.
I love competition. I love sports. I admire what the Friendly Games stand for right now. I just wish it will remain or evolve into a better sporting event in the future.
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Tags: Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 2006Related Stories
POSTED IN: Light the Torch
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