Olympics Compromised by Nationalism?

The legend of the Olympics was for man to glorify athleticism and let human endeavor and achievement shine above nations. I flipped into the Olympics and watched two ski runs (don't know the name of the event, ski over moguls and do tricks in the air), one by a Canadian and one by an American. In both cases three of the five judges scored the runs within a few tenths of each other. In each case the other two, a Russian and a Japanese, both scored the runs two full points lower.

I seem to remember the judges have very precise scoring formulas with little room for variance. Start with a certain score and take so much off for each variation on the perfect run. If that is so the only conclusion this viewer can reach is the judging of Olympic events is a farce controlled by nationalism rather than the individual or team achievement we all hope it to be.

How can the IOC allow this to go on? How can real reporters sit there and not comment on it? I know the network needs to tread carefully but I think I have once again seen the pursuit of the dollar overcome real reporting. I think the Olympic ideals have been corrupted.

Please, someone show me I wrong about the judging. I think the individual athletes, with the exception of those found doping, are still competing with a hope of winning and most want to represent their countries with honor.

I hope someone can show me. Until then the joy of watching the individual and team performances will be totally tainted for me.

 

This has ALWAYS been the case. Other members of the forum have noted the case of a Korean boxer, during the Seoul Olympics, who scored higher than his American opponent, even though the American was pummeling him.

I'm afraid you're going to have to be disillusioned about the Olympics.

 

Many of the world's icons are showing their feet of clay - the Nobel Committee, the climate scientists at formerly reputable universities, and, now, the Olympics.

 

I agree, Shiny one. :thumb:

The only Olympic events that really mean anything are those that don't depend on judges to decide the outcome; the ones judged strictly by time, distance, weight or height, etc. I think the other events should be presented for entertainment value only.

Swimming yes, diving no.

Downhill ski yes, moguls no.

Ice racing yes, figure skating no.

 

I was wondering about the mogul scoring myself as I was watching. Then I realized something.

The Russian and Japanese judges were not scoring the same thing as the other judges were. The Russian and Japanese judges were scoring the aerial tricks, the rest were scoring turns.

Just thought that might clear up the scoring for that event.

 

It did clear it up. So my example was not appropriate for my judgment of the judging. I found the event title and Googled the event and you were entirely correct. Mea culpa.

 

I wonder why we should still continue to watch the Olympics, after all this.