TunneySide of Sports

On the TunneySide of Sports August 9, 2021 #860 Up next… Was It Worth It?

After further review… Well, it’s over!  The XXXII Olympiad scheduled for July 2020 in Tokyo that began July 23, 2021, and ended on Aug. 8, 2021, has officially ended with the closing ceremonies Sunday. It was Aug. 8 in Tokyo, but still Aug. 7 in Monterey, the location of the Monterey Herald where this column appears Monday mornings.

What took so long to complete the 17 days of the 2020 XXXII games? First and foremost, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Games were postponed until 2021. Many throughout the world chimed in to voice their opinion during 2020 that even if the games were postponed until 2021 the pandemic may still be a factor. And yes, the pandemic continues to be a problem.

It is impossible in this writing to list those qualified athletes – worldwide –who were either quarantined or sequestered due to that infection. While you will not find that list here, you surely can name some notables who had to stay home. And, of course, the many thousands of spectators (fans) who, by Japanese edict were not permitted to attend. Can you imagine the turmoil in refunding those tickets? And that’s not counting the air travel, room and food services that had to be canceled.

I have always been a supporter of the Olympics if not for anything else but to bring athletes together to share and enhance world peace. Thousands of athletes from different countries, different languages different beliefs competing on the same field/court/water/etc. under one set of rules and, perhaps, learning from each other. Some may disagree with a call or judgment but must learn to accept it. While this may be a utopian belief, many worldwide friendships have developed from these games.

What sickened me was to watch the empty wonderful venues that were built to seat those thousands of fans. The millions of dollars (yen?) wasted went unfilled. Surely, many read this piece who can – and will – point out where all that money spent on venues, travel, housing and food and other items could have gone to help the poor and underserved.

I have traveled to Tokyo twice and can confirm its congestion and travel hazards. I know that it doesn’t have the conveniences foreigners have been used to having. However, huge applause for the Japanese support staff, people-movers, judges, and others who made the 32nd Olympiad run so smoothly.

Will you log in how you evaluated the 2020 XXXII Olympiad held in Tokyo?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

On the TunneySide of Sports August 2, 2021 #859 Up next… Simone Biles and The Olympics

After further review… When Simone Biles suddenly withdrew from her gymnastics competition in the Tokyo Olympics, it was a shock to everyone. Biles had done so well in the qualifying that it came as a big surprise. Biles,  along with Sunisa Lee, were expected to lead the U.S. in defeating the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) once again. Let’s discuss that issue now.

Incidentally, when the name ROC appears, it is because the IOC (International Olympic Committee) has found that many Russian competitors were using illegal substances to enhance their performances. The IOC allowed only those Russians who were determined “clean.”

It has always been my understanding that the Modern Olympics (from 1896) was competition on an individual basis, not country vs. country. I’m not sure when the country competition started, but it seems here that it was the media, both written and electronic, that promoted it and still does today.

It is the judgment here that Biles made the correct decision, as difficult as it surely was, to withdraw. It has been reported that during a warmup trail jump on the vault, Biles lost her focus while in midair. She had run full speed, hit the springboard, put her hands on the horse and vaulted upward to complete her routine (which she had practiced hundreds of times). While in midair (some 10-12 feet) and was doing a 1 &1/2 full twist with one somersault. She suddenly realized she was supposed to be doing a 2 &1/2.

Wow! Can you imagine what was going through her head at that speed and that height with no way to correct her misjudgment? Biles realized right then she was not mentally ready for what was to come,  even though she had performed that routine successfully many times. There’s more to it.

Incidentally, the next day, Sunisa Lee went on to win the All-Around and take the Gold.

Arguably Biles was the “face of the 2020 games,” as Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt had been in earlier games, Biles was overwhelmed. She felt that weight on her shoulders. Was the constant use of G.O.A.T too much to handle? Perhaps it was the absence of fans, including her parents not being in the stands. They had always given her the support that she was missing. It is impossible to look inside her mind.

Will you excuse Biles for her decision to quit so abruptly?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.