On this day back in 1970, the IOC expelled South Africa from the Olympics, by severing recognition of its Olympic Committee. A consequence of the nation's apartheid policy that separated racial groups, and which caused sporting racial divide, the ban would last until Barcelona 1992, after apartheid was abolished the previous year. Over the ban years, there certainly would be athletes worthy of Olympic competition, whose opportunities were felled by their nation's apartheid. Fast forward to Rio 2016, and the standard-bearers of South African sport - including Caster Semenya, Wayde van Nierkerk, and Luvo Manyonga - present a fuller, more diverse, and truer picture of the nation. But the anniversary today brings to mind one particular athlete - runner Zola Budd - who was able to compete at Los Angeles 1984 by virtue of a British passport, and who stood out as the then poster child of South Africa. Her fast times that challenged American favorite Mary Decker, her bare feet, and her South Africa-to-Great Britain drama created quite a buzz at the time, which turned into a certified frenzy once competition got underway. Those Games were the start of my Olympic passion, and I remember many, many events and eagerly watching the competition every night. That race, that moment was such a story that the retelling of it today never does the emotion of the time justice. It did warm me a bit to see Budd return to the Games, at Barcelona 1992 - while not progressing out of the heats, she did represent South Africa.
A Little Roundup
On a lighter note, May 15 also represents the birthday of a number of Olympic medalists, including tennis player Andy Murray (1987), footballer Cristiane (1985), sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown (1982), gymnast Amy Chow (1978), and runner Miruts Yifter (1944).
The IOC contemplates an expected $800 million U.S. in expenses related to Tokyo 2020. The good news? The IOC will plan to cover it. The better news? The IOC has that kind of money to plan!
You can always count on Dick Pound to deliver it straight. This time, he's talking finance in global sport.
The New York Times looks at the agony of Olympic qualification, now experienced by sport climbers. p.s. it's not called rock​ climbing.
It's the Ultimate Garden Clash v2 in pole vaulting this weekend. Except that it won't be in anyone's garden since none of the three athletes have a setup ready, it should be a good watch.
Canoeist Saul Craviotto leads the charge in Spanish athletes returning to the police force during the lockdown.
On a lighter note, May 15 also represents the birthday of a number of Olympic medalists, including tennis player Andy Murray (1987), footballer Cristiane (1985), sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown (1982), gymnast Amy Chow (1978), and runner Miruts Yifter (1944).
The IOC contemplates an expected $800 million U.S. in expenses related to Tokyo 2020. The good news? The IOC will plan to cover it. The better news? The IOC has that kind of money to plan!
You can always count on Dick Pound to deliver it straight. This time, he's talking finance in global sport.
The New York Times looks at the agony of Olympic qualification, now experienced by sport climbers. p.s. it's not called rock​ climbing.
It's the Ultimate Garden Clash v2 in pole vaulting this weekend. Except that it won't be in anyone's garden since none of the three athletes have a setup ready, it should be a good watch.
Canoeist Saul Craviotto leads the charge in Spanish athletes returning to the police force during the lockdown.
The Olympic Channel succinctly shares the Yusra Mardini's refugee-to Refugee Team inspiring story.
Petter Northug gets ready for a feast.
Table tennis star Xu Xin goes glam.
Paul Ruggeri shows off his yoga pose.
Petter Northug gets ready for a feast.
Table tennis star Xu Xin goes glam.
Paul Ruggeri shows off his yoga pose.
Retired hurdler Periklis Iakovakis shared a great sports painting by Pierpaolo Rovero.
Yulimar Rojas gets passionate for Venezuela.
A haircut for Tarjei Boe.
Jorge Urena take us on a scenic vault of freedom.
Yulimar Rojas gets passionate for Venezuela.
A haircut for Tarjei Boe.
Jorge Urena take us on a scenic vault of freedom.
Greg O'Shea found a puppy.
Adrian Ben is feeling blessed.
In-apartment training continues for gymnast Nikita Nagornyy.
Kristian Gkolomeev goes surfing.
Wrestling celebrates Friday with Greco-Roman wrestling star Nugzari Tsurtsumia.
Adrian Ben is feeling blessed.
In-apartment training continues for gymnast Nikita Nagornyy.
Kristian Gkolomeev goes surfing.
Wrestling celebrates Friday with Greco-Roman wrestling star Nugzari Tsurtsumia.
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