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Rio Olympics a roaring success

Roar Rookie
23rd August, 2016
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In an amazing display of Olympic spirit, Nikki Hamblin (R) of New Zealand helped Abbey D'Agostino of the USA up after both fell during the women's 5000m heats. (EPA/BERND THISSEN)
Roar Rookie
23rd August, 2016
1

The world’s biggest carnival is over in the land of carnivals, as we bid farewell to the Rio Olympics.

Awarding the global sporting extravaganza to Rio evoked mixed reactions.

Concerned citizens in Brazil were furious that a country struggling with unemployment, poverty, crime, corruption and political instability was entering into an event which would do little to bring any improvement to the lives of the majority.

However, many others rejoiced at the prospect of watching the sporting spectacle full of Latino spirit, fun, frolic and warmth.

But once the spectacle was launched, with a crisp, fantastic opening ceremony, showcasing the rich culture, diversity, art, music and dances of Brazil, the doubters took a back seat.

If Brazil and its people forgot the pain and suffering of difficult times to put up a memorable show, around 11,000 athletes from 207 nations decided to pitch in to ensure the Games was a roaring success.

The athletes set aside teething issues likes boarding and lodging issues, fear of Zika and crime, and did what they were supposed to do: go faster, higher and stronger.

The world will be thankful to Rio for presenting the ultimate moments of glory of the greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps, the best sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt, the best ever female gymnast, Simone Biles, the greatest road and track racing cyclist, Sir Bradley Wiggins, one of the greatest long-distance runners, Mo Farah, and perhaps the best ever female boxer, Claressa Shields.

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Rio’s best contribution was to make the list of legends long. But ‘legend’ is a term that shouldn’t be used to describe too many, lest it lose its power. So, we may be forced to just keep mentioning the grand achievements of swimming sensations Katie Ledecky and Katinka Hosszu, new sprint queen Elaine Thompson, the undisputed king of decathlon, Ashton Eaton… The list can go on and on.

Brazil’s gold medal in men’s football gave solace and joy to the most passionate fans from the football-crazy home nation, and winning the gold by beating Germany brought some solace to the scarred fans still reeling under that 7-1 loss in the World Cup semi-final at home two years back.

Australia’s renaissance in swimming from new stars like Kyle Chalmers showed the golden days are back, and we may see a new Ian Thorpe or Stephanie Rice emerging from the current lot.

At the same time, countries like Argentina and Belgium gave a clear warning to traditional hockey powers Australia, Germany, The Netherlands and India that days of their hegemony may be over.

Noticeably, China slipped marginally. Having made mammoth strides in 2008 and 2012, it looked like 2016 would take the Chinese within touching distance of the sporting monster, USA. But Rio slowed the Chinese story.

Meanwhile, Great Britain have made amazing strides, proving their surge in the medal tally for the London Olympics was not a flash in the pan. The empire has decided to strike back, climbing to second on the medal tally.

USA, even with minor setbacks in events like sprints, made a statement and challenged the world to try keep up.

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Equally incredible is the fact that small nations like Singapore, Vietnam, Kosovo, Fiji and Puerto Rico won their first ever gold medals, in moments that would have inspired dozens of similar nations to aim for similar feats in future Games.

There was a a moment of seemingly literal magic too, as the pools turned green. While not part of the plan, it is unlikely to be matched in any future games.

The disqualification of the bronze medal winner Ezekiel Kemboi in 3000-metre steeplechase and the stripping by Mongolian wrestler Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran’s coaches to protest unfavourable decisions were among the moments of controversy.

However, the spirit shown by Nikki Hamblin and Abbey D’Agostino in the women’s 5000 metres epitomised the Olympic spirit.

What made the Rio Olympics such a special event was the message from a country grappling with so many problems and adversity that, if and when required, the human spirit can not only excel on a sporting field, but also present a masterpiece to the world.

The games will stay in our hearts forever, just like Brazil, its hospitable people and its Samba beats.

Now to Tokyo!

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