We might not always agree with the choices ones nation makes, but there is no denying that the Olympics are the proper breeding grounds for Nationalism. At present the rankings are held by Norway – Italy and the United Stated, but this is a tally that could change at least twice a day and the Netherlands is racing the United States as both have 6 golden medals. And there is more, but this is not about the medals. Fayik ABDI (KSA) did not get any, but the setting that someone from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is participating is blowing my mind. There is an absolute absence of snow in the 2,149,690 square kilometers it inhabits. As such to see someone in that tally getting so kind of placed in the 95th position is quite remarkable. Yes, there are all kind of people making some yabayaba statement, but I was born in the Netherlands, they have snow there. I have also lived in Sweden. Another nation with plenty of snow and I never made that list (as did millions of Dutch and Swedes), so come to think to it a remarkable setting. The same goes for Alex Astridge, a 19 year old Emirati who is set to become the first male Alpine skier from the desert nation to compete at the Olympic Winter Games. I did not see the results, but there is an expected setting that he is not making that list. No worries, he is at least an Olympic competitor, something billions of people will never be able to do.
And whilst some might belittle that setting, keep in mind that they never made it anywhere there. I almost got there in my younger days (in fencing), but I never had the required points to qualify and I saw one of my opponents get there (and I was happy for him) He was Oscar Kardolus and today I learned he is no longer among us. He was a great fencer. For comparison he got the Dutch title 18 times. I was not good enough to get it even once (to make sure you won’t think that I am on his level). As such we are all a little more nationalistic during the Olympics. Even those who are by large not interested in sports.
So whilst we are watching how our nations are doing during these days and we are keeping our forgers crossed for others. Like most of the Commonwealth is keeping its fingers crossed for Canada (women’s hockey) to slap USA silly (if at all possible) and whilst almost whole of Canada is holding its breath for the semi-finals on February 21st and the finals on February 22nd, most of the Commonwealth will hold its breath too, especially as they are likely to face off against USA as well. And to some it might not make sense, but then I was never one to watch submarine racing either (that’s a spectator sport) and the funnies keep on coming. So whilst you might avoid sport events, almost 95% of any nation is watching with baited breath on how its nation is doing, even if they realise that their contender might never make the podium. Sport achievements are respected almost everywhere and that is something, because its roots were seen in Ancient Olympics 776 BC, something that was brought back to life in the 1896 Summer Olympics. A sporting event that brings people together for 2800 years now (minus the interruption) I personally see this setting as a great way to bring some ‘parties’ together in an informal way to get a dialogue started. Sometimes a non-formal setting might be the way to get a discussion going. That being said I am massively against politic entering the Olympic field, but on the audience stand, people start talking (as people do) and when they are on their nationalistic foot, optional open, especially when their team is winning.
In this world we need to have these moments in time, especially when the media and some other players can no longer be trusted. The neutral places where a dialogue can be called for might be the best setting to have.
Have a great day.
Lawrence van Rijn - Law Lord to be 