It’s time for the 2014 Olympics, filled with unity, excitement and controversy. But what about sportsmanship?
Social media brings a new level of how athletes conduct themselves at the games.
Shaun White, Olympic halfpipe Gold medalist,was scheduled to compete in the premiere slopestyle event.
However, White withdrew from the event after jamming his wrist in practice. White had reason to worry. Other athletes were injured on the course.
Two Canadian slopestyle snowboarders took to Twitter to give their opinions. Max Parrot tweeted “Shaun knows he won’t be able to win the slopes, that’s why he pulled out. He’s scared.” That was shortly followed by a tweet by Sebastien Toutant stating “Mr. White … Its easy to find excuses to pull out of a contest when you think you can’t win … ”
Both snowboarders quickly deleted their tweets, but stated in a press conference that they stood by what they said.
Parrot added that he was “bummed” White dropped out because the winner of slopestyle could be overshadowed by him not competing.
White explained that it was a tough decision to make after talking to his team and trainers.
He decided it was best to focus on the halfpipe with all of the issues surrounding the slopestyle course.
I’ve been an avid follower of the sports and even though it is a very competitive sport, there is always an air of brotherhood on the mountain.
Athletes are seen high fiving and celebrating at the bottom of the slope when someone has an amazing run or lands a new trick.
I feel that Parrot and Toutant were not following proper sportsmanship of an Olympian.
They were representing Canada, and if I was Canadian I would not be happy to see athletes representing my country like this.
American Sage Kotsenburg won slopestyle and was surrounded by his smiling teammates. That’s the way that real Olympians should act: happy that their country is bringing home a medal.
Parrot placed fifth and Toutant placed ninth.
Canada was able to bring home a bronze medal by Mark McMorris. People are buzzing more about the controversy his two teammates have stirred up instead of McMorris win.
This raises the question: should the Olympics be able to place guidelines on how Olympians conduct themselves?
Olympians might not agree with their competitors’ decisions, but they need to remember that it’s not about their opinions. Instead, it is about making their country proud.
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