WHAT'S BROKE AND NEEDS FIXING by Leo Haggerty PFWA
WHAT’S BROKE AND NEEDS FIXING. The limiting in gymnastics to 2 individuals and beach volleyball to two teams from one country that can participate in the event finals. This scenario was played out in full view of a worldwide audience when USA gymnast Jordan Chiles finished 4th but because American teammates Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee finished 1 and 2 the 23-year old was barred from the 12 woman event finals. The fact that this same situation occurred at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and has not been rectified is unconscionable. What made matters worse was when the men’s 10000 finals was run and there were 3 Ugandans along with a trio of Ethiopians plus a triad of Kenyans competing. No limited on participants there. Time to change that archaic rule and open up all Olympic events to the top qualifiers no matter what name is on the front of their uniform. Don’t punish an athlete or athletes who posted a score that was good enough to make the finals because two others from their specific country had a better score. Definitely broke and needs fixing by 2028 when the next gathering of nation convenes in Los Angeles. Let the best compete with no restrictions. Now there’s a novel thought. Book it Dano!