With the Sochi Olympics in our sights, the hype that naturally comes along with the games has continued to gain more momentum. Athletes everywhere are preparing to compete in one of most prestigious sporting events in the world.
Currently, Russia has laws banning the propaganda of homosexuality, and their President Vladimir Putin has made numerous comments concerning the rights that the athletes and visitors will have. He went on the record requesting to “please leave the children in peace.” Critics would say that his statements have come across as derogatory and offensive, however, Putin has reassured that the people who do attend should feel “relaxed and at ease.”
As more of a rebellious act, President Barack Obama has chosen to send openly gay athletes such as tennis star, Billie Jean King and hockey player Caitlin Chow as his selection for the U.S. Delegation. These two will represent the United States in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. This very decision has caused quite a stir among other countries, including Italy.
According to the Associated Press, Mario Pescante, Italian member of the International Olympic Committee said, “the games should not be an occasion and a stage to promote rights.” Pescante later issued a statement saying that his words were taken out of context.
Chow spoke on the Today Show and said, “I do understand that there are changing winds in the United States and people are adapting and evolving, and I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. So I hope that some minds are changed through those statements, and I look forward to tomorrow when these classifications no longer exist.”
Although the anti-gay remarks have overshadowed coverage on the Sochi Olympics thus far, one can only hope that come February seventh the athletes representing the U.S.A will do what they have trained for years to do, win.
