The [2020 Olympics]: No Winners Yet, But One Big Loser

AngelHedgie

Yes, normally this would be a tad early for the Olympics thread, but the BBC has dropped a major story that is going to change the Games in a decidedly 1984ish direction:

https://twitter.com/BBCBreaking/status/1203984154993594369

Yes, while we may not have any winners yet, there is one decidedly large loser - Russia, who will not be competing as of now.

(McDonald's execs are seen sighing in relief at the advance notice.)

Edit: As pointed out by @Tynnan, if you want to understand why WADA is dropping the hammer, there's an excellent documentary on the matter titled Icarus:

https://youtu.be/qXoRdSTrR-4

Snicketysnick

To put a damper on things Russia will not be competing but "Russia" will be, in much the same way as "Russia" competed in the Winter Olympics just gone as a series of "Independent" athletes

AngelHedgie

Snicketysnick wrote: »

To put a damper on things Russia will not be competing but "Russia" will be, in much the same way as "Russia" competed in the Winter Olympics just gone as a series of "Independent" athletes

The big thing is that the Games are very much a prestige thing, something that Putin is big on - losing the ability to have the Russian name in the forefront of sport is a major blow that way.

Tynnan

@AngelHedgie do you think a plug for “Icarus” would be useful in the OP? It’s useful context for those who haven’t seen it yet.

Snicketysnick

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Snicketysnick wrote: »

To put a damper on things Russia will not be competing but "Russia" will be, in much the same way as "Russia" competed in the Winter Olympics just gone as a series of "Independent" athletes

The big thing is that the Games are very much a prestige thing, something that Putin is big on - losing the ability to have the Russian name in the forefront of sport is a major blow that way.

Absolutely, but just like last time I feel it undercuts any actual punishment, especially given that the violations that led to this ban took place after the Winter Olympics, proving that Russia hasn't actually learned anything and should therefore have no quarter given this time around.

AngelHedgie

Snicketysnick wrote: »

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Snicketysnick wrote: »

To put a damper on things Russia will not be competing but "Russia" will be, in much the same way as "Russia" competed in the Winter Olympics just gone as a series of "Independent" athletes

The big thing is that the Games are very much a prestige thing, something that Putin is big on - losing the ability to have the Russian name in the forefront of sport is a major blow that way.

Absolutely, but just like last time I feel it undercuts any actual punishment, especially given that the violations that led to this ban took place after the Winter Olympics, proving that Russia hasn't actually learned anything and should therefore have no quarter given this time around.

Here's the thing - the 80/84 boycotts were heavily criticized for turning athletes into political pawns, especially in cases where the boycott ruined careers where that Games was the only shot the athletes had for the gold. Punishing athletes purely for their nationality is an unjust position, hence why the IOC is allowing Russian athletes who clear WADA testing to compete under a neutral flag.

Fencingsax

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Snicketysnick wrote: »

To put a damper on things Russia will not be competing but "Russia" will be, in much the same way as "Russia" competed in the Winter Olympics just gone as a series of "Independent" athletes

The big thing is that the Games are very much a prestige thing, something that Putin is big on - losing the ability to have the Russian name in the forefront of sport is a major blow that way.

Not just the Russian name, but the Russian flag is not allowed either.