:Sochi:
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 
photo: Pride Toronto 2013
I have resisted the temptation to write a long-winded blog about why the 2014 Olympics in Sochi shouldn't be boycotted because I don't think there is much of an argument for the contrary. Boycotts don't accomplish anything positive and nobody has ever been a significant part of progressive change from their couch. I've read and agreed with insightful articles by Patrick Burke, Bruce Arthur and many other great athletes and writers, and I think it's pretty clear.
But then I read an article in Now magazine by Susan G. Cole. While she agrees that a boycott isn't worth discussing, she used some language which inspired me to chime in.
So I wrote this:
While I appreciate, respect, and even share many of the opinions of Susan G Cole, as an Olympian I need to yank my socks up and defend our “obsessed” diaspora of “selfish” dream-chasers a bit. First, I’m shocked that a feminist would take such a strong stance about what I do with my body. I choose to train really hard and try to be the best at something. Why would you begrudge me for that?
Here’s the thing Sue: If the Olympics were in a perfect place, we wouldn’t be talking about gay rights. Nope, if they were in Stockholm, we’d be excited for meatballs. If the Olympics were in Vienna, we’d be leiderhosen shopping. Instead, the Olympics are in the stone ages, and behold! We’re talking about it! Just like when they were in China. They opened up their doors in an unprecedented way, and by all accounts, those doors have remained more open than they were before. Sure, they still have issues. But I’m not so quick to call the pot black, or the pipeline the colour of bitumen, in our case. Every country has issues. I’m not suggested that Russia’s are justifiable, they most certainly are not. But I see the positive in all this nonsense, as you do, albeit from a slightly different point of view.
Not everyone likes the Olympic Games, and that’s good! I think people should disagree over things. To each their own. But whether you can identify with our silly spandex clad theatrics or not, you can’t deny that it gives pretty much everyone in the world something to squawk talk about, and in your case, something to write about, and presumably to be paid to write about.
So I’d ask that you’d simply consider the Olympics to be more than just a sports forum, it’s a forum for discussion, for change, for exchange. It’s not just about the sports. But it mostly is, and it’s also a big part of the reason gay rights are being so widely discussed right now, so please don’t take that away from the Olymps. The Olympics do good. They make role models, ambassadors, they create heroes, and provide inspiration and entertainment for billions. They bring us together, not just to sweat and grunt and be proud of our colours, but also to talk, discuss, improve and progress. I’m proud of all the Olympics does for the world, and I’m proud to be a member of a team whose dreams extend past the podium.
I'm glad we agree on the important things, and I'm glad we live in a place where it's okay to disagree, too. :)
Reader Comments (4)
For her it was sport, as it is for many of the young people in our community, for others it might be writing, or public speaking or carving or painting or music... But whatever it is, and whatever stage you get to practice your art (whether it be the Olympics, the Arctic Winter games, the stages on Broadway or musical festivals...), I think it is absolutely necessary that everyone value that and celebrate the effort that has been put into to getting there. Keep up the amazing work with RTP, kayaking and everything you do!