Olympic Games of Hope

By Sigi Heinrich

At least there is a small, tiny consolation: it's going to be summer, actually. But that's about all the positive news at a time when nothing in this world seems to be the way we're used to. The images of the flood disaster in the middle of Europe shocked us all because the disaster was practically in the neighborhood and was no longer just fluttering across the screens from a distance as it used to be. We expressed regret and then went back to business as usual. It didn't affect us. That's history. We are in the middle of chaos and the motto that can be identified suggests helplessness: close your eyes and get through.

In Great Britain, all measures against Corona are now suspended, people's health no longer seems to be important. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is playing a dangerous game. 1 spectators attended the Formula 150.000 race in Silverstone. Everyone should have been tested or vaccinated. It's a joke that the tests could be carried out yourself. The ruthlessness of the British driver Lewis Hamilton, who quickly shot his competitor Verstappen off the track at 250km/h, fits into the picture. Close your eyes and push through, even if it could cost your life. Given the many deaths in the disaster areas, this is a mockery. Ten second time penalty for Hamilton. At least there is still a tiny consolation: if Formula 1 continues like this, it will eventually take care of itself. Fall festival in cycling Cycling also has its problems, regardless of doping raids and a winner whose superiority is almost incomprehensible. The stages are becoming more and more intense and falls are increasing. The drivers know that their lives are at stake and it is almost a miracle that nothing more has happened so far than broken bones that eventually heal. This maintains the myth of the toughest cycling race in the world and this myth should not be scratched if possible. On the contrary: it should be strengthened and expanded. No resistance is to be expected from the drivers themselves. Their sponsors and their financiers have long since incapacitated them. Everyone takes part in the tour of suffering with the hope of winning the jackpot that will keep them in the saddle. Uniqueness as a great opportunity Taking advantage of the unique opportunity: Yes, that is a driving force that should not be underestimated, see the Olympic Games. Since Pierre de Coubertin revived it in 1896, its uniqueness has been its greatest asset. You are an Olympic champion forever. Whoever wins a silver medal is already the biggest loser. And yet many have internalized the motto that it is a success if you can even be there. This myth remains ineradicable, but is being massively undermined, especially these days, because the beautiful stories of the great meeting of the sports world are a thing of the past. The mood before the Olympic Games in Tokyo is depressed. © APA/afp / PHILIP FONG

The Olympic Village, once the big meeting place, is a big prison in these pandemic times. The seductive word “bubble” was invented for this purpose. A cocoon that is supposed to suggest security. Distance, mask, testing. Contact with the public is prohibited. The Olympians are led into their arenas like gladiators. Of course there are no spectators. Atmosphere should come through loudspeakers. The aim is to create an artificial atmosphere while people outside are afraid that these games will become a superspreader event, as it is called in modern German. A huge, uncontrollable source of infection.

That's why a large proportion of Japanese people don't want this event. And there have already been a total of over 50 positive corona cases. And even one is one too many. Eyes shut and go for it. It's about a lot. Especially a lot of money. Life itself seems to have become secondary. The game continues, and so do the games. They are carried out. All that remains these days is the hope that everything will go well. Everywhere.

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Olympic Games of Hope

The beautiful meetings of the sports world are a thing of the past. The Olympic Village, once the big meeting place, is a big prison in these pandemic times. Sigi Heinrich addresses this, among other things, in his new column.

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