by Bradley Dedon

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2008

As the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing approach, many speculators are worried with the thought of a political uprising possibly deflecting the world's attention away from sport and over to other issues, such as Tibet, for example.

Mostly, my concerns are geared toward the safety of the athletes. They represent their countries in what is supposed to be a non-violent assembly that will breach the barriers of cultural and racial differences. The opening ceremony, in my opinion, signifies world unity for almost three weeks. Legends are born, records are broken, and new lore is added to the rich history of such a prestigious event.

Beijing was once leading the candidacy for hosting the 2000 games, but upon reports of human-rights violations, the ongoing struggles and strives with Tibet, and frowning upon any symbol of democracy, China, as a nation, has had to sit through three Olympiads to get to this point.

I do not think we will see any sort of propagandist behavior on behalf of China. Protests will almost 99% be a sure bet. Violence may break out in some cases, but overall, I feel that the games will go on and once again showcase some great sportsmanship.

If anyone remembers the story of Luz Long at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, you know that the athletes competing in every event are often great sportsmen. Long passed along some advice to fellow long jumper, Jesse Owens. The advice Owens received proved beneficial, as he captured the gold medal. Long took the silver.

There have been a number of occurrences where politics have intervened. We all know of the Soviet Union's threats of boycotting, and the "Black Power salute" given by two African-American sprinters in Mexico City in 1968. But, everyone knows of 1972's hellish events. Iranian terrorists took and held hostage members of Israel's Olympic team before executing them. Even more in-depth, Iranian participants at the Munich Games were ordered not to compete in any heat, semi-final, or final against an Israeli opponent. In 2004, a judoka from Iran missed a match against an Israeli due to his weight. In spite of not making his weight, the Iranian was awarded $125,000.00, the same amount Iran paid its gold medal winners. Since weight was the issue, he avoided any sanctions.

Issues will always be prevalent, but it is more or less how security handles the affairs as they transpire that will dictate whether or not the Olympic Games in Beijing will succeed.

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