Everyone was unarguably exhausted following the Olympic games. It was certainly overwhelming to observe the competitions non-stop for about seven to eight hours daily, from dawn until dusk. Indeed, the Olympics are a quadrennial event, rarely providing the chance to enjoy such a variety of distinctive sports, from sun-powered ascending to soaring fifty yards, aquatic sub-tones, mule outfitting, and even paint drying.
My astonishment first hit me when I laid my eyes on the vessels traversing the Seine amid showers, as France aimed to boast its lay principles under the majestic gaze of the formidable Notre Dame Cathedral. It would be enticing to see swim races unfold in that same river although not many rivers in our region are bold enough to host such an event. It reminded me of those old times when the River Lee seemed like a soup, hiding unnameables beneath its surface. Though its state has undergone improvement over time, it’s still not advisable to remove a tulip from its depths.
However, what truly caught my attention and stirred my enthusiasm were the moving and thought-provoking statements made during the opening festival. Considerable emphasis was placed on behalf of all athletes, vehemently condemning drug usage and doping. The insistence upon impartiality and equality from referees and judges (bar boxing), as well as the adherence to fair play and fostering grassroots dialogue by coaches and trainers was commendable. Those eloquent and heartfelt addresses by the figures and wardens of the Olympic games touched on themes like fraternity, equal rights, equilibrium, universality, peace, unity and several other profound subjects as delightful as any pontiff’s orations or goals.
Yet, amid all these, the daily carnage endures, the weaponry competition is fueled with delighted participation, the rhythmic war cries are eagerly greeted, refugees continue to meet their end in deadly waters, and militant fascists unabashedly roam our streets, while swathes of people seem rather unconcerned, even ‘worried’ about the risk posed by a handful of unwelcome extraterrestrials amongst them.
It might be the reason for the fortnight-long break in between the games. The crème de la crème of global youth converge in one place – be it a field, track, road, pit, swimming pool, or alongside a body of water. Before the spectators dispersed as they arrived to the back four for their daily attendance, Paris served as an oasis from the rest of the world.
Regardless of the doubts that athletes who took performance-enhancing drugs might have already received help, these games appeared fairly clean. Not unlike battle rockets and defence systems, the exposure of a new drug could also mean the hiding of some contraption.
Nonetheless, things have been getting better. There is no longer any needs to foster more loyalty towards the Séas unlike what it was back in the time of Ancient Greece. Monarchs or sovereigns no longer compete. Back in the Olympics of 67 AD, Nero became the victor of the chariot race, similar to Ben Hur, despite being thrown onto the sand. This didn’t stop him from receiving the title of champion of the games. If Donald Trump was to play golf, or Kim Jong Un participated in the fest, or Putin shot at clay pigeons, it’s best not to win.
As for the under-14 hurling match happening tonight in the west park, who’s the one playing in it?