Disappointing Event in Westchester

I have never used this blog as a means to criticize people, mainly because the blog has always been a medium for catharsis or self-expression, but also because criticism isn't much of a healthy thing to do unless it is productive. Mindful of that, I will try not to make this particular post an exception to the way I've been treating this blog thus far.

So close to the place that I now call home do I find something in the news that has placed me in a state of disappointment. Of course, it has nothing really to do with the fact that it took place a few minutes away from where I live; it has everything to do with what had transpired.

Marion Jones, former US Olympic medal winner (3 golds out of 5 total during the Sydney 2000 Olympics) and American sports hero has pleaded guilty in a federal courthouse (nearby) for the use of steroids during competition, including, but perhaps not limited to, the Olympics.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/05/jones.doping/index.html

So while baseball fans have spent the past few years debating about whether Barry Bonds deserves the home run record, and on a more important level, respect, such fans likely only constitute a minute percentage of the people who watch the Olympics. On an even more important level - not to put down baseball (I'm watching the playoffs as I write this) - the Olympics is the one event other than the World Cup that catalyzes patriotism and gives sports fans and non-fans alike a sense of belonging on a far-reaching global level. In some instances, this pride is contagious between competitors; fans of one country are at times inspired by the amazing feats of a rival's athlete to the extent that they cannot help but cheer even in the face of defeat. Indeed, pride is so strong, defeat ends up not being the worst thing that can happen in the Olympics.

Perhaps precisely because of strong pride, cheating might be the worst thing that could happen.

Well, it's happened.

Although short of admiration, I commend Jones for coming forward with the truth. It is quite unfortunate that someone who was considered somewhat of an American sports icon had to disappoint her country for victories that were witnessed by many around the world.