Dear Editor,
There is a commonly used American adage used to describe one's ambitions to fulfil one's desires and needs; being a "squirrel trying to get a nut". Although the fastest sprint runner this year, up until the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, Justin Gatlin had to keep focused for his subsequent performances, his media interviews seem to impress that squirrel and nut relationship about his pursuits.
If anyone were to look back carefully at the official and public confession of the American drug cheat sprinter, Marion Jones, who was superb and unbeatable in her time, they would realise that out of all the various people and groups that she tearfully apologised to, she failed to mention all or any of her competitors from whom she "stole"; all their hard work, hopes, potential recognition, and earnings, for both themselves and their respective athletic federations. Additionally, it was vexing to me that this "super woman" did not align herself with drug cheats of the past, of her time and of the future, whether caught or not; she needed to apologise for them too. Jones, Gatlin, and whoever else so charged, however, can keep their apologies and their tears because they are only sorry that they have been caught.
Therefore, the victories of Usain Bolt and "the rest of us" are not only about getting that nut -- and getting it fairly might I add -- but also represent justice for all of the Merlene Otteys who have been cheated out of their true rewards, who were, and still are doing it with what God gave them.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
No ethical middle ground for athletics
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There is a commonly used American adage used to describe one's ambitions to fulfil one's desires and needs; being a "squirrel trying to get a nut". Although the fastest sprint runner this year, up until the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, Justin Gatlin had to keep focused for his subsequent performances, his media interviews seem to impress that squirrel and nut relationship about his pursuits.
If anyone were to look back carefully at the official and public confession of the American drug cheat sprinter, Marion Jones, who was superb and unbeatable in her time, they would realise that out of all the various people and groups that she tearfully apologised to, she failed to mention all or any of her competitors from whom she "stole"; all their hard work, hopes, potential recognition, and earnings, for both themselves and their respective athletic federations. Additionally, it was vexing to me that this "super woman" did not align herself with drug cheats of the past, of her time and of the future, whether caught or not; she needed to apologise for them too. Jones, Gatlin, and whoever else so charged, however, can keep their apologies and their tears because they are only sorry that they have been caught.
Therefore, the victories of Usain Bolt and "the rest of us" are not only about getting that nut -- and getting it fairly might I add -- but also represent justice for all of the Merlene Otteys who have been cheated out of their true rewards, who were, and still are doing it with what God gave them.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
No ethical middle ground for athletics
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