We’re not talking drugs, money, or those other petty issues. Here’s the type of controversy that really gets at the integrity of sport (sorry, no pictures):
A team of bikini-clad dancers from the Canary Islands is entertaining fans but offending some female players at Olympic beach volleyball.
Wearing bright orange outfits during the day and shiny silver ones at night, the sun-bronzed babes race onto the sand between points and matches, gyrating to blaring techno-pop. Fans join in, wiggling hips and clicking cameras.
At least one women’s team isn’t amused.
“It’s kind of disrespectful to the female players,” said Nicole Sanderson, an Australian. “I’m sure the male spectators love it, but I find it a little bit offensive.”
I’m don’t know what Ms. Sanderson finds offensive. Couldn’t be the dancer’s appearance, because their dress is fairly similar to that of the players.
But as much as I’m sure that many fans appreciate the added entertainment, I’m not sure the Olympics will retain their character if we start adding dance teams, half time shows, corporate promotions, and the other trappings of contemporary professional sporting events. I’d rather the games maintain their traditional focus on competition and leave out the hoopla.
It’s funny that you mention it. I actually noticed it a few days ago while watching beach volleyball and, frankly, I was offended! I’m glad other people are, too. True, the athletes are wearing very little clothing as well, but that’s not the point. Women have been trying to gain respect for decades in sport and this is not the way to do it. It just seems like it’s defeating the purpose: on the court you have four top-notch athletes who have worked hard to be taken seriously in sport as athletes – not just as FEMALE athletes…..and then you have female “cheerleaders” on the sidelines whose purpose is purely entertainment (for the men). It’s the female stereotype vs. strong, athletic women. Female athletes don’t want or need Hooters’ girls at their competitions! OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now…….
Beach volleyball is a f**king Olympic sport?
Damn, I was smart 20 years ago when I made the decision to ignore the Olympics forever. What a joke….
It’s quite obvious that you’ve been ignoring the Olympics. If you HAD watched beach volleyball, you’d realize that it IS a sport, requiring great athletic skill. In fact, it’s probably more difficult than regular indoor volleyball. And, quite frankly, most of the Olympic sports require much more skill, athleticism, dedication and training than, say, professional sports in America.