Wow…not sure what to say about this incredibly misinformed story. What do you think?
By Bomani Jones/NY TIMES
After seeing the majestic diversity of the Olympics’ Parade of Nations, a visual representation of the best of the Olympic ideal, the last thing I want to watch is a sport where the biggest determinant of success is being rich. I could ask for many sports to be removed on this basis, but I’ll go with sailing because…well, who wants to watch boats that don’t make lots of noise?
O.K., I can do better — what does sailing embody that anyone loves, specifically, about the Olympics? Where is the simplicity of the event that gives the impression that anyone could participate?
Even with sports like swimming and rowing, which cost too much for many, anyone could, theoretically, participate. There’s nothing stopping someone from doing backflips and the other staples of gymnastics.
Sailing? The name of the game is access. The touching human interest stories that buoy NBC’s ratings for the Olympics are somewhere between rare and nonexistent. It’s clearly an activity for a particular class stratus and, given how overwhelmingly white the Olympic participants are, it’s clearly not the world’s game.
If the Olympics is going to wrap itself in touchy-feely stories, it’s hard to get behind sports that are so obviously exclusive. If the Games are supposed to bring the world together, we can do without sports that do the opposite.
Courtesy of www.nytimes.com
Laura Dekker is amazing and Bomani Jones is a jerk that no one should take serious.
Sailing a small dinghy like a Finn or a Laser is not that expensive. There are other Olympic sports that require a lot more money – like Equestrian events. And many others where to achieve the level of excellence required by the Olympics requires being affluent enough to afford the training – gymnastics for example. And so on.
this story is probably the most absurd I have read in a while. the boats being sailed at the olympics are not the big super yachts that cost millions of dollars, they are small boats typically sailed by individuals that are starter boats for beginners. Sailing is one of the most basic sports ever and embraces using the forces of mother nature, not gas or diesel to power a noisy or costly or polluting engine. I truly wish more people embraced the sailors mantra – going green, using the wind and sun to create movement and power. Also in my limited experience around sailors, I have never seen a group more concerned about keeping the ocean clean and unpolluted, so I say yah to the sailors and wish more kids would become new sailors and keep up this lifestyle – certainly as affordable as the motor boats you would rather see at the olympics
Maybe Bomani needs some education around sailing. I watch him on “Around The Horn” and most times enjoy his viewpoints but not on this one. Nothing personal Bomani, you have a right to your opinion. And Laura Dekker is truly amazing! What does sailing embody that anyone can participate Bomani? I have owned a sailboat for 5 years and haven’t spent $50 on fuel. You can buy a great new or used sailboat for very little money and have a great, relaxing, environmentally friendly experience on the water. Sailing is less expensive that feeding horses. Not that I don’t like horses but I really like sailing!
Any fool can turn a key and start a boat that makes noise, and many often do. Mr. Jones should look closer to home to find the value of being on the water quietly and sailing as a means to understand so much of nature. check out this site.
http://rockingtheboat.org/programs/youthdevelopment/
I know of many Hudson river clubs that have welcomed the participants in a number of programs such as this: provided facilities, fed and enjoyed the camaraderie of the water. Do more research.
In my opinion, the modern Olympics provides a forum for the world to come together peacefully in order to mutually enjoy universal sports. I am defining the world as all nations, races, and people with varying economic status. Therefore, I do not believe that your article corresponds to what the Olympics symbolize.
There are several Olympic sports which can be expensive hobbies for the average wage earner to pursue. Along with sailing there is equestrian, fencing, and archery just to name a few. Are you suggesting that all of these sports should be removed from the Olympics? Also, once an athlete sets his/her sights on competing in the Olympics the cost of training increases dramatically.
Furthermore, amateur and professional athletes are participating in sports which they are passionate about. I started learning to sail in 1994. I am neither white nor rich. I became hooked on the sport. I love being out on the water, smelling the sea air, and the challenge of using wind power to propel the boat. Sailing gives me a sense of peace and a much needed break from city noise. My goal is to become a boat owner. There are several options available to any person who has an interest in sailing.
Lastly, it is only a matter of time before an African American sailor competes in the summer Olympics. Just as Cullen Jones has received two Olympic medals in swimming and Gabby Douglas became a gold medalist in gymnastics’ all-around competition.
I would like to suggest that you select a sailing school and obtain a sailing certificate. Then go out for a day sail with friends or by yourself. It will become apparent to you why sailing is an Olympic sport.