SPORTS: The Sydney Olympics--Mexico

The Sydney Olympics fail to convince me of the world-healing effects of sports. The sight of two plug-uglies trying to knock each other out would scarcely seem a contribution to peace. Soon that claim will be made about bullfights, to which my reply would be "Beef!", which is the end-product of bulls.

There were some nasty accidents. In a jump, a horse threw the rider and fell on top of him, seriously injuring him. In the best sporting tradition, it was decided not to execute the horse.

There were some rather silly incidents. In women's gymnastics, the competitors jumped over a horse (of a different kind) and did all kinds of loop-the-loops before landing in a variety of positions. To me it seemed more remarkable than a dog walking on his hind legs, but I did not realize that there was a major crisis caused by the fact that the horse was a little lower than the regulations called for.

However, for Mexico the day was a tragedy to which a whole TV newscast was devoted. In the 20-km. walking race, Bernardo Segura was the first to enter the stadium for the final lap. He passed the finishing line first! He went around the stadium again, triumphantly waving the Mexican flag, and then curled up on the ground, embracing the flag. Mexico rejoiced. Gold!!! At that point a judge walked up to him holding a red card, indicating that he had broken three rules and was disqualified. He lost the gold medal, which went to a Pole.

Mexicans were stunned. They were convinced that the decision was unfair, even implying that there was a plot against Mexico. The Mexican Olympic Committee protested. A poll asked people if the 1968 Olympics were a closed case, referring to the Mexico City Olympics when hundreds of protesting students were shot. The answer was "No!", presumably meaning that in the Olympics Mexico was jinxed.

Mexican TV interviewed his mother and wife, simple attractive people living in a small town. They were desolate. Four years of hard work wasted! Don't worry! We love you! It's only a game!

Ronald Hilton - 9/22/00