SPORTS TALK: Olympics more about controversy than athletes and medals
By Greg Buchanan
The Olympics are never short on controversy and scandal, and Paris has been no different so far.
From opening ceremony shenanigans to polluted water, drone-spying, sexist remarks by commentators, and hijab bans, here are the stories that are stealing headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics for all the wrong reasons.
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who recently defeated Italian Angela Carini in an Olympic welterweight bout, faced scrutiny over a failed gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships, where reports indicated elevated testosterone levels, which sparked speculation about her biological gender.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by Khelif, confirming her eligibility to compete in the women's division based on current regulations.
Khelif's victory over Carini, a bout that ended in just 46 seconds, intensified the debate. Carini expressed shock at the power behind Khelif's punches but refrained from commenting on the eligibility issue.
As Khelif continues her quest for Olympic gold, the discussions around her case underscore the complexities of gender eligibility in sports. Her matches' outcome will likely keep her supporters and critics engaged as she aims to achieve Olympic glory. Oh, times are changing. I have covered sports at all levels for over 30 years. 20 years would make a skit on Saturday Night Live.
At the Paris Olympics, Australian Kaylee McKeown's bronze medal in the women's 200-metre individual medley was shrouded in controversy after American swimmer Alex Walsh was disqualified.
Walsh finished third before being disqualified for an inappropriate manoeuvre during the race. The manoeuvre stemmed from a disputed interpretation of her butterfly-to-backstroke transition, which some observers felt was a dubious call.
Walsh had been leading with a commanding performance and looked to finish atop the podium until the last 25 metres, when Canada's Summer McIntosh and fellow American Kate Douglass caught up to take gold and silver, respectively.
McKeown, who was in contention but not leading, delivered an impressive race to a fourth-place finish. Following Walsh's controversial disqualification, she would eventually be given the bronze medal.
The situation sparked a debate among fans, who had a range of opinions over the decision's fairness and impact on the event's outcome. Some fans argued whether Walsh's disqualification was valid, while others defended the officials' adherence to the rules.
Walsh's younger sister, Gretchen, is also competing in the Paris Games. She won gold in the 4x100-metre mixed medley relay and silver in the 100-metre butterfly and the 4x100-metre freestyle relay.
The storylines will include not only the sports, athletes, and medals but also controversies. The Olympics wouldn't be the Olympics any other way.