Olympics | ideal vs reality

It's been a while since the advent of Omicron and our family holiday scares descended on us. Whether it's due to an abhorrence to the cold unpredictable winter weather or a preference for the comfort of sheltering in isolation - for now wonder | wander | women choose not to stray far from home and neighborhood. 

What else was there to do? Watching the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 ended up a grander level of entertainment than any of us could have predicted. Last week - when we wrote on our sister blog wander | wander | world about the Olympics being under fire - little did we know how big this bonfire of vanities would blow up. 

Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia

Kamila Valieva, the teenager at the center of a doping scandal that has shaken the Beijing Olympics, finished fourth in the women's figure skating final - after an error-strewn performance handed Russian teammate Anna Shcherbakova the gold.

All the news reports claim it was a major upset for 15-year-old Valieva, who looked completely broken at the end of her programme. A sad testament to this young child's life spent devoted to capturing the glory of that elusive gold medal amid growing evidence of doping. No amount of deflection can turn the limelight away from the scandal. 

Acropolis - Athens, Greece

While this all may be so - the adults involved should all be held fully accountable for their shameful behavior in this global fiasco. Behold yet another public shaming of an innocent - sacrificed at the altar of the egos of the corrupt intent of both organizers and countries involved. Blame the system and not the athletes.

The Ancient Olympic Games were religious and athletic festivals held every four years at the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. Competition was among representatives of several city-states and kingdoms of Ancient Greece. 

Ancient Olympia ruins

The origin of the Olympics is shrouded in mystery and legend. The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, featuring sporting events alongside ritual sacrifices honoring both Zeus and Pelops, divine hero and mythical king of Olympia. 

It was widely believed that during the Games, all conflicts among the participating city-states were postponed until the Games were finished. This cessation of hostilities was known as the Olympic peace or truce. The truce allowed those religious pilgrims who were travelling to Olympia to pass through warring territories unmolested because they were protected by Zeus. 

stadium entrance at Olympia

These ideals have been sorely tarnished and debased in these current modern Olympic games. What is the true cost and the price paid? 

In economic and social impact on host as well as participating countries? In training resources, especially among the lives affected - of athletes most of all, but also trainers, coaches, committees, organizers? 

ancient stadium in Olympia

With each succeeding games, as the athletes' achievements soar - what is the total and final cost? More doping and other scandals? More lives sacrificed for gold? More temptation and corruption? These games mirror how life is being played in our world today - among gods and humans. 

Who wields the power and how is it wielded? All are affected and are at its effect - participants and audience. What in the world are we to do about this? 

Temple of Hera ruins in Olympia