The Enhanced Games Controversy

 

The Enhanced Games is the first professional sports competition that allows athletes to used pharmaceutical aids. The controversy developed when questions about bioethics, fairness, and health were discussed. The creation of the Enhanced Games was more than a debate about performance enhancing drugs. Pharmaceutical corporations are trying to promote more drug use among the public. The movement for health optimization is becoming more obsessive. Normalizing people who are healthy and fit taking various medications creates an opportunity for  more profits. One of the developers of the Enhanced Games Aron D'Souza asserts the IOC and WADA have failed in their objectives. His view is that human enhancement is inevitable and drug use in sports will never be stopped. The intention is not about pushing human athletic accomplishment. Transhumanism is being made into a venture capitalist project. Athletes are being used as test subjects for transhumanist research. Prominent billionaires are invested in the Enhanced Games such a Peter Theil. Bioethical questions are present. People enhancing their own bodies can create concerns. However, the fact biomedical science extends lives does alter nature. Athlete health is an aspect of the controversy. Professional sports are not good for a person's health depending on the competition. Concussions, repetitive motion injuries, or ACL tears can happen. The fairness in sports argument lacks cogency. Weight classes and the absence of  drugs will not make competition fair. Individuals with various physiological advantages are going to be dominant. The lowest performing athletes are never going to have a fair chance at success. The IOC and WADA condemned the Enhanced Games, yet their refutation was not convincing. Athletes might be willing to go to the Enhanced Games, because of the financial reward. Olympic athletes are not paid for competing, even though they are providing  entertainment. International sports competition is about to be changed by technological enhancement of the body and pharmacology.       

Controversies Surrounding The 2024 Paris Olympics

 

The Paris 2024 Olympics have begun with controversy. France cleared the streets of migrants and homeless. It was July 25, when migrants and homeless were forced onto buses. Police took them to temporary lodging areas. The concern is that the migrants and homeless are going to be trapped in these areas. The migrants that were forcibly removed were mostly of African descent. Migrants are from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. These were former colonies of the French Empire.  The racist overtones cannot be ignored. If these were European migrants or refugees they would be treated better. Some also are questioning why France is hosting the Olympics. The economic challenges and demonstrations make the country tense. Hosting the Olympics might not generate economic prosperity. A boost in tourism can help, but it is temporary. Construction of sports venues and stadiums contributes to pollution. The Olympics are following a consistent pattern. The term for this is known as social cleansing. Removing those who are oppressed and struggling is a way to make a country look better. France cannot hide its poor and its anti-immigrant sentiment. The athletes are competing in high temperatures. All have to sign waivers prior to competing. The IOC should be responsible for the safety of the athletes. All these controversies are mounting and it will continue with future Olympic games. Some are debating the relevance of the Olympic games and why they should continue. The Olympics still generate profits and a  large fan following. The IOC must change policies and nations must ensure that hosting the games does not result in displacement of the vulnerable.    

The Paris 2024 Olympics Will Begin July 26th

 

The summer games will be held in Paris. France does have internal difficulties related to the economy and domestic politics. Labor disputes and the controversy over retirement age are still ongoing. The 2024 Olympics is not going to be isolated from international events. Russia and Belarus are being treated differently from other countries. The reason is due to the Russia-Ukraine War. The measures taken could be argued as discriminatory. The IOC has stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete as neutrals or individuals. Belarus has not engaged in any combat operations against Ukraine. It did allow Russian troops to move through its territory, but no Belarussians did not invade. The IOC measure  is discrimination based on national origin. No such restrictions would be placed on the UK, France, or US for NATO action in Libya or Afghanistan. Double standards and contradictions will cast a shadow over the Olympics. This will make it more difficult to make the Olympics politically neutral. Europe is no longer going to be stable. The IOC should then think about getting either African, Latin American, or Asian cities to host. France might think that hosting the games will provide an economic boost. While tourism can do this, the games last for only a certain time frame. The amount of labor to build stadiums and infrastructure does create jobs. Yet, that gain in the construction sector is temporary. The Olympics only can be of value in improving France's international image. This might not work due to the actions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The sports spectators are going to be seeing more than just athletic events. Tension between nations is going to be present. Israel's participation will generate objection. The IOC might in the future try to ban China or Iran. France hosting the Olympic games creates complications beyond its borders.   

The 2022 Qatar World Cup Controversy

 

A growing controversy has emerged about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup. The country has been known to put restrictions on press freedom, women's rights, and discriminates against those of the LGBTQ community. Labor practices have been known to endanger workers and leave them with low pay. Migrant labor was used to construct the stadium required for the World Cup. Workers from South Asia and Africa were major contributors to making the event possible. Qatar did not have a large enough labor force to build a stadium with migrant worker help. Qatar is a monarchy ruled by King Tamim bin Al Thani who took over after his father's abdication in 2013. King Tamim has been a major force in getting his kingdom to host international sporting events. Exposing  Qatar's human rights abuses is important, but it should not be ignored that France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States still hold diplomatic relations with the kingdom. The European countries do not have a perfect human rights record and at times aid Qatar in the destabilization of other Arab states. Qatar has assisted  a number of armed groups and terrorists in Syria and Libya. Despite this information, that will not stop soccer fans from watching or going to Qatar. Corruption might actually go deeper with accusations of Qatar rigging the host selection process. Professional football is a major business and it is a sport that Qatar wants more influence. The kingdom has protection by the West, because follows particular policies related to Middle East affairs. The governments of North America and Europe have little credibility lecturing about human rights when they have invaded Global South nations. Only human rights activists have the credibility to do so. Trying to raise awareness is difficult with a football fandom,  which does not want to think of their sport contributing to human rights abuses.    

Iran Continues To Ban Women From Stadiums

 

The female Iranian football fan cannot enjoy sports like her male counterpart. Women have been for at least 40 years banned from entering stadiums in Iran. Recently, there have been challenges to the ban and overtime protests could cause its end. From a political perspective, prevent certain types of entertainment can harm the regime. Sports can provide a distraction to the abuses of government. World leaders often use sport competition as a means of instilling patriotism. The ban itself is not written into law or mentioned in a specific regulation. The Quran or Islam states nothing about football matches or stadiums. Religion is being used as a means of authoritarian control in the Islamic Republic. The ban cannot even be completely enforced. Women were present in Azadi Stadium for the World Cup qualifier in 2019. Some women might be able to sneak into matches circumventing the authorities. One exception to the stadium ban is when there are political gatherings. Women are allowed at these pro-government rallies. The ban has gotten the attention of FIFA. The ban violates FIFA statutes articles three and four. These stipulate the support for human rights and non-discrimination. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Wants The Olympics To Be An Instrument of Peace

 

UN Secretary-General expressed " the Olympic Games must be an instrument for peace in the world." International sports competition is an extension  of rivalries among nations. Also the Olympic Games have been used to demonize certain countries. Russia remains banned over allegations of a state sponsored doping program. Other nations have athletes that have taken substances, but were never subject to a ban on competition. The tension between the US and China can be seen with the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing winter Olympics. The Olympic Games show how divided the world is becoming. While it would be ideal to use sports competition as a means of reducing tension, they encourage a dogmatic nationalism. The United Nations has not been able to make the world more peaceful. Failure to confront Israel, authorizing  military force in Libya, and the conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrate its ineffectiveness. Major world powers are not subject to the same rules as other nations. Antonio Guterres' statements suggest a general lack of understanding of what leaders use international sports competition for.  The UN Secretary-General will be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. This is more of a symbolic gesture, rather than diplomatic outreach. 

Allyson Felix Has Been Named Sportswoman of The Year By The Women's Sports Foudation

 

Allyson Felix has been named the sportswoman of the year by the Women's Sports Foundation. Her athletic performance  has gotten much praise. Felix holds seven  Olympic gold medals. Her total medal count is eleven.   Besides being active in track she also helps other athletes. Working with Athleta and the Women's Sports Foundation she developed a program that provides childcare grants for female athletes. This is an issue that women face in the world of athletic competition. That will no longer be the case when accommodations are expanded. Felix is currently the most decorated track athlete in US track and field. She is unsure on about continuing competition. Other plans and possible business ventures are part of her plans. Allyson Felix  could be making appearances at track meets in 2022. If not, she has end her athletic career with a stunning record. 

COVID-19 Infections Increase During The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

 

As celebrations and the Olympics are underway, there has been a spike in COVID-19 infections. Japanese citizens did protest having the games  go ahead. There were growing concerns that the 2020 Olympics would be cancelled. Japan made too much of a financial investment for the Olympics to be cancelled. Despite volunteers quitting due to safety concerns, that did not deter officials. The spike in cases has to do with athletes coming from all over the world to compete. Even with athletes vaccinated, there is a possibility of getting COVID-19. Although it is a low chance, variants are a cause for concern. The pandemic is not over, yet many are willing to ignore public health measures. Japan is in a state of emergency due to the rise of COVID-19 infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga claims that it was vacations and a four day holiday that resulted in the increased infections. Although no spectators are part of the games, this not entirely accurate. The more people coming to the country, the more precarious the condition of the country becomes. Japan may have to go under lockdown and other restrictions to deal with the spike in COVID-19. 

The Current Status of The Olympics

 

Japan intends to hold the Olympics in Tokyo. The COVID-19 pandemic has derailed may plans for the games. This has made the Japanese public concerned. Some want the games to be cancelled for the sake of public health. Japan has made too much of a financial investment to abandon the Olympics now. What can prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases would be to have more testing and vaccines available. At bare minimum, wearing masks can also help reduce risk. The Olympics are set to start July 23, 2021. It will still be referred to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These games will not be without controversy. The IOC has recently imposed a protest ban at the games. The new rule is a major contradiction, especially when it is supported by nations that embrace free expression. Russia remains banned from the Olympics. The nation that sports and politics can be separated is impossible. International sports competition is a platform to promote ideology. Countries  around the globe use the Olympics to generate national unity. The Olympics is more than just simple entertainment. Japan was also struggling with issue within its planning committee. The resignation of Yoshiro Mori as Tokyo Olympics president  demonstrated  that there still remains a large amount of sexism in the sports world and wider society. The 2020 Olympics if it does move forward, will be one of the most interesting competitions in sports history. These games are happening during major geopolitical shifts and international disputes. 

Rare Hank Aaron Interview

 Hank Aaron (1934-2021)  was interviewed by Len Morton. The video shows  the young athlete discussing the upcoming World Championships. His MLB career span from 1954 to 1976. Aaron was considered one of the best baseball players of all time. He broke Babe Ruth record with a total of 755 home runs. The clip shows at the time his team was called the Milwaukee Braves. The date for this interview is not clear, however it had to be between the years  1955 to 1965. The team's name changed to the Atlanta Braves in 1966. Hank Aaron reveals that  playing right field is his favorite position. He was a pioneer in sports during a period in which African Americans were not accepted. Aaron faced racism, and discrimination  . When was getting closer to breaking Babe Ruth's records he received death threats. Ultimately, he was triumphant being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Status

 

The Olympics were rescheduled   due to concerns related to COVID-19. Japan will be hosting the games in 2021. This will be the second time since 1964. The hope is that the pandemic will be either over or controlled by July 21 of 2021. If not, this could cause economic problems for Japan. Hosting the Olympics has been said to be good for a country's  growth. However, large scale investment in stadiums and venues is only temporary. Visitors will eventually leave, along with the financial support that tourism brings. The games have political significance as nations compete on  the world stage of sport. Many countries use the Olympics to deflect away from internal problems or to encourage nationalism in the public. Japan may not be able to do this with the dramatic changes coming from a post-Shinzo Abe era. The Olympics may not even provide unity among Asian nations. Anti-Chinese sentiment is growing globally, which has created tension among world powers. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics could be another extension of this rivalry. If the games to not happen in 2021, then they will be cancelled. So far, it appears Japan has COVID-19 under control to allow for the Olympics proceed as planned. 

Russia Has Been Banned From International Sports Competitions

The Russian Federation has been banned from international sports competitions. Russian athletes who wish to compete in the Olympics must do so under a neutral status. This ban could last up to for years meaning Russia will miss out on the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Cup. Allegations of state sponsored doping programs have been made, yet there is little evidence to suggest there was a program that was similar to East Germany in the past. The World Anti-Doping Agency stands by its findings that  the Russian government did have a network of  providing performance enhancing substances. Russia has according to the WADA  deleted or manipulated data related to drug use from its Moscow Laboratory . So far, it appears that President Putin will appeal the four year ban. It would seem fair that athletes who were not found positive for substances should be allowed to compete. However, some voices in WADA want a ban of all Russian athletes. This position indicates that the ban may have a political motivation. Russia and the West are at a nadir in terms of relations, which may explain such views. Many countries have athletes who have used performance enhancing drugs, but never faced as much serious punishment. The scandal brings into question drug policy, the politics of sport, and testing. 

Russian track and field team banned from 2016 Olympics

The Russian track and field team has been banned from the 2016 Olympics. The reason was surrounding allegations of  use of performance enhancing drugs. This punishment is severe, considering there is no evidence that every Russian athlete on the team used drugs to give them an advantage in competition. There is no evidence that the Russian Sports Ministry had a doping program in operation for its athletes. There are many factors working in this situation. First, this is clearly a political motivation. Western Europe and the US are in conflict with Russia over Syria and Ukraine policy. Sanctions, presenting Russia as a threat, and now banning its sports teams from the Olympics is a way to harm the country in the international stage. This also highlights the fact that the War on Drugs has come to sports.  It is not so much a question of fairness in competition, but the fact millions are spent in drug testing and laboratory facilities. The fact is drugs have been a part of sports since its inception. There are so many available now, it is not possible to detect everything. The idea that use is some how "cheating" seems ludicrous, because use does not guarantee victory. A pill does not create a champion. The IAAF has a right to ban athletes who violate their rules in regards to drugs, but it should not model itself  on concepts such as pharmaceutical puritanism. The Olympics should be about bringing nations together in the spirit of a friendly game, not international disputes. Sadly, these are more than just games with athletes around the world, it another arena of international struggle.     

RIP Muhammad Ali

Carla Dunlap the First Black Ms.Olympia

The Ms.Olympia contest is one of the most prestigious sport events in the bodybuilding community. Women began competing in the 1970s. At that time, it was mostly white women who participated in the United States. Gradually, black women became involved. During the 1980s Carla Dunlap was one of the most prominent female bodybuilders. She would become the first black woman to win the Ms.Olympia in 1983. Prior to competing in the sport she was involved in gymnastics and swimming. Her first bodybuilding contest was IFBB Best in the World in 1979. She ranked fifth, which was impressive for a first attempt. Carla Dunlap's bodybuilding career lasted for a total of thirteen years. Carla Dunlap was later inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999.