As a rule, most sporting traditions conjure positive vibes. Even antiquated grass courts, crap weather and upper-class snobbery, topped with strawberries and cream, make for a revered combo, a la Wimbledon.
As we battle severe bouts of post-Winter Olympics depression, one thing has become apparent: It’s time the five ring circus did away with the insulting extravagance and nationalistic bombast that is the opening ceremony.
Does the third world really need to see hour after hour of Bollywood gone bad, as the host nation squanders millions in an attempt to prove their cultural superiority?
Sure, when Moscow met Cecil B. DeMille, there was a definite ‘wow’ factor – but as per the latter Star Wars trilogy, bigger ain’t necessarily better, nor does sensory overload equate to unforgettable brilliance or poignancy. Staying awake is half the battle, try unravelling the supposedly deep and meaningful messages amid the pyrotechnics, special effects and perplexingly costumed cast of thousands. And don’t get me started on the turgid dirges that pass for the bespoke official song
Beijing’s opening ceremony was estimated at $300m, out of a total event budget of $40b. Ironically, it was a Chinese apprentice carpenter living in Australia (John Ian Wing) who suggested before the 1956 Melbourne Olympiad that as a symbol of world unity, the athletes parade together at the closing ceremony (rather than by country). Maybe it’s time for another similar gesture. A production more Clint Eastwood, less James Cameron.
We don’t need the athletes to all hold hands and sing Kumbaya, but why not strip back the Summer Games’ opening to the meaningful formalities; the lighting of the torch, raising of the Olympic flag, the obligatory national anthem and a speech or two? Then, let the Games begin with the men’s and/or the women’s marathons, and launch into the track and field program as the crowd awaits the runners big re-entry into the stadium for the finish of the Olympics’ most revered event.
It will take a brave host nation though, to cast egos aside and embrace some perspective. But unlike the modern extravaganzas of our time, it would be memorable and unique, and both the Olympics and the world all the better for it.
Jeff Dowsing
Guest
Point was that even traditions that aren't much chop, when you really analyse them, can still add to the overall vibe and experience. Others like the opening ceremony have snowballed out of control, yet no one is willing to question their validity or relevance, especially in more enlightened, socially aware times.
Timmuh
Guest
The one with the archer lighting the cauldron was great, even if I can't recall which Olympics it was. I have to agree though, get the athletes out there, get the few speeches done that are absolutely necessary (one IOC member, and the national head of government if that's unavoidable), and get on with the games - rather than the pre-games show which has nothing to do with the sports. Mind you, I find the ceremonies marginally less tedious than the sports that tend to dominate coverage of the summer games. Swimming and gymnastics have to be among the most boring sports on the planet - gymnastics isn't a real sport anyway, real sports don't have style points - but both always get plenty of TV time in Australia.
DaniE
Guest
It's just gone too far I think - I find the extravangza all a bit boring now. My favourite moment from an Olympic Opening ceremony was the start of the Sydney Games - when the horse and rider came in on their own. A thrilling moment, but so simple. I also think the lighting of the Torch is just OTT now too - wouldn't it be nice to have the final torchbearer simply light the cauldron? Could still be dramatic, but a lot simpler - and without too much fear of mechanical failure!
Alders
Guest
Actually, the latest reports suggest that the games are going to come in coniderably under budget and the designers are alreadygetting recognition for theirr long term planning - i.e. no white elephants like Stadium Australia - I wonder if they will call it Stadium UK?
Jeb
Guest
I don't get the opening reference to tradition - are you saying that opening ceremonies aren't traditional or are you saying that they are traditional yet still bad - an exception to the rule?
Eddie
Guest
Wasn't this piece in the Age on the weekend?
Hobart Friz
Guest
JEFF - The summer Olympics are big, big business - 4.7 billion people watched all or some part of the Beijing event, and advertisers are in seventh heaven with numbers like that. It's why the Games will just keep growing like Topsy. It's sports as entertainment for people who seldom watch sports, and the hoop-la surrounding it is more important to these folks than watching men and women run around a circular track. I went to a track meet once where a national Olympic hero was due to compete. There were some terrific athletes performing at the meet but the crowd wasn't interested. But when their hero stepped onto the track they went bananas. They were just there to wave the flag. If I were designing the Games, I'd do away with all national anthems, all the flags. Compete by country in your country's colors, sure, but hand out medals without the implication that one country is better or more important than another. As far as costs go, I hear that London is already regretting they won the rights for 2012.