Coverage of the Olympics actually started yesterday with women’s soccer. The scandal of the day was the mix up between the North and South Korean flags which caused the North Koreans to walk off the field. I can’t actually say I blame them. That’s a big slap in the face, accidental or not.
Flags for North Korea (left) and South Korea (right)
(Image: AP)
The Americans came from behind to beat France yesterday 4-2. While the game itself was dramatic, I started thinking about soap opera of sex that U.S. goalie Hope Solo* referred to several days ago. Apparently the Olympic Village is a huge orgy with condoms shortages caused by the prolific amount of athletes fornicating. Do I buy it? Yes and no. I think when you’re in a once in a lifetime situation surrounded by like-minded people the odds of a hook up are greatly increased. And look at all those beautiful bodies! (Okay, maybe some aren’t so beautiful.) But I think there’s a little bit of that vacation-fling mentality that hits some athletes, so yeah, I don’t doubt there’s some slap & tickle going on. Epic proportions? Doubt it. They still have to remain focused, represent their countries, sponsors and families – at least until their sport is done competing. But frankly, do I care who’s nailing whom? Not so much.
Megan Rapinoe
(Photo: Getty)
Also in the sex/soccer arena, U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe came out last month. Uh, okay. Do I care? No, not really. That’s not a slam on the LGBT community, I’m just more interested in how well she plays soccer rather than who she’s dating: I care more about the athletes’ performances than their sex lives. Was I shocked when Johnny Weir came out? Of course not. There are tons of homosexual people be they athletes, politicians, artists or whatever. I understand it has great meaning to closeted individuals and those who are struggling with their sexual identity and perhaps it’s lost on me because I’m not in their shoes. I’m not saying they shouldn’t come out, I’m arguing that it shouldn’t be relevant. More idealistic than realistic, I know.
I think we live in a highly sexualized yet puritanical society. For some reason we expect a higher morality from our leaders and role models, including Olympic athletes. Yet at the same time, we want to be able to identify and connect with them so we love a good scandal that proves that they are every bit as fallible as the rest of us. Look at Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps. Ultimately they were forgiven for their transgressions. If you can’t forgive them, how could you ever forgive yourself?
*I’m sure her statements had nothing to do with her upcoming autobiography…
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