Russian, Soviet Georgian Athletes Make Up On Medal Podium ..
This is why we have the Olympics, despite all the politicizing and bloated (and boring) ceremonies. Most athletes care little about politics, and it's a good thing.
As you know, Russia had invaded Georgia this weekend, in order to protect a pair of breakaway republics that want to rejoin Russia. At least that's what Russia is saying. This is not uncommon. There are alot of people in the former Soviet republics that think the USSR breaking up was the worst thing that ever happened to them. Kinda like befriending your hostage taker because at least he fed you. Russia is glad to oblige - especially in oil and natural gas -rich Georgia.
Politics aside, the games went on, and as fate would have it, one of the first events to take place was the Air Pistol competiton, where Russian Natalia Paderina took the silver, and Georgian Nino Salukvadeze took the bronze medal. When they got to the medal podium, one might think that the two would blow each other off, but they didn't....
Paderina made a point to shake the hand of Salukvadeze, and Salukvadeze hugged Paderina, and even gave her a kiss. Don't look too much into the kiss - they all do that in Europe. They even kiss guys like me there...
Salukvadeze didn't hold back much when talking about the invasion. "If the world were to draw any lessons from what I did there would never be any wars," she said. "We live in the 21st century, after all. We shouldn't really stoop so low to wage wars against each other. There should be no hatred among athletes and people. "Politicians should straighten out the situation today and if they don't, we'll have to get involved." You tell 'em , sister !!!
.
No comments:
Post a Comment