As a result of the international media attention the Olympics receive, many countries use the Games as a podium to highlight political issues. Some examples are:
– Steven Spielberg’s resignation as creative director of the Beijing Olympics initiated by the Chinese government’s ties to human rights crimes in Sudan’s Darfur.
– Team Darfur’s speedskater, Joey Cheek’s revoked visa that prevented him from competing and advocating his political position.
It’s possible that a country’s skeleton’s are more inclined to come out when the national microscope is examining them, and especially for a Communist country such as China. Yet, perhaps gymnastics fans would be just as likely to question the authenticity of the passports belonging to Team China’s seemingly underage female gymnasts without Bella Karoli and wife Marta’s opinionated statements on NBC? Afterall, they are pretty small for 16 years old.
Despite headlines of revoked visa’s and speculation of authenticity, the one story that hasn’t heard much from the papers at all is when Iranian swimmer, Mohammad Alirezaei pulled out of the men’s 100-meter breaststroke minutes before his scheduled qualifying heat against Israel’s Tom Beer. I guess this should come as no surprise, as Israel hasn’t faced Iran since 1979. The NYT confirmed through the International Olympic Committee that Alirezaei pulled out of the competition as a result of illness. If it had not been confirmed repercussions would have been severe, as it goes against the spirit of the games to withdraw for political or religious reasons. Nonetheless, it just seems like an UNUSUAL move given the context and especially knowing that US swimmer, Ryan Lochte competed for three days in the Games with a stomach illness. I mean, that must have been some sickness to keep him from his dream of competition…Poor guy! Doubly so, because this is an example that every move an Olympian makes will be amplified with a global magnifying glass and examined.
You could potentially look at the rivalry between these competing athletes as a reflection of the brutal war between their respective countries. Let’s allow Israel and Iran to be symbolized by two cars playing chicken and while both drivers don’t want to face the other they are propelled towards each other by their countries powerful political machines. As they get closer and closer to the the last possible moment before an imminent collision one has to turn away….to safety. Unfortunately, if Israel or Iran lost it would have been considered a matter of National pride. Iran couldn’t afford to loose, and they were possibly protecting the Olympian in case he lost…since he wouldn’t have been able to swim at 100% while he’s sick.
Laura Garnick's Blog 
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