There has always been an inherent connection between sports and politics. Sports (athletes, teams, events) are often used for political purposes: to further an ideology, to represent a political position, to convey displeasure or support, to damage or enhance a host nation's prestige, image-building, building a platform for dialogue, trust-building, and reconciliation, integration, and anti-racism. They can even aid in nation-building by rousing patriotism and pride. Sports are undoubtedly an instrument of soft power. As an example, consider, North and South Korea recently marching under one flag at Winter Olympics and how, if at all, this has contributed to future dialogue between the North Korean regime and the West (something that a few months ago, seemed impossible) How much impact does a disgraced athlete or sports team have on a nation's international prestige?
Well mate, I think the Aussies will have a lot to say on it at the moment. Speaking from a Kiwi perspective, the All Blacks losing a test match around election time has been known to change govts.
Government manipulated doping scandles is a problem in sports but coaching lead cheating is an even bigger problem. And there's plenty of anecdotal evidence. It's just when government officials start denying they've been falsifying records for decades claiming athletes are clean, then you've got to ask what's up with the whole Lance Armstrong thing. It's a huge problem for those who get suckered into a false narrative that to be a good athlete you have to be clean. Then you've got genetic freaks like Rugby legend Jona Lomu who had an unatural accumulation of the quick shiver muscle, or Husain Bolts mild spinadifida giving a hooked back. That's why they can run like that. And I'm sure many of you have a similar story. Because they have genetic abnormalities that allow them to do freakish things and smash records. That nations on the minimum wage produces more sporting excellence than first world nations with every scientific discovery known to man, really does ruin a lot of egos.
Well, just consider what did the 1995 RWC for South Africa. It was such a potent manifesto for the rainbow nation and Mandela's personal success.
