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We’re the Americans of the Delhi Games - only less fun

Tory Maguire

by Tory Maguire

07 Oct 09:20am

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Filed under: Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010, Hassene Fkiri, Shane Perkins, Sport

53 comments

It turns out I’m not the only one who thinks the Commonwealth Games are an anachronistic oddity - some of the Australian team clearly shares that view and has taken it to another level.

At least he wasn't wrapped in a flag. Picture: Adam Head

Two Aussie athletes in two days have demonstrated just how little respect they have for Games authorities and their fellow competitors.

Remember how we all thought the US swim team were a big bunch of nobs at Sydney 2000, with their pool deck posing and big talk? At least when we beat them they didn’t flip the bird at the officials.

Track cyclist Shane Perkins and wrestler Hassene Fkiri have both demonstrated a level of arrogance and bad sportsmanship that disqualifies them from deserving our support.

And their petulance isn’t going to do the Australian team any favours with its Commonwealth counterparts.

They’re also at risk of overshadowing the good stories coming out of Delhi 2010, like Geoff Huegill’s delight last night at winning silver in the 50m butterfly.

But according to Sydney 200 gold medalist Scott McGrory, Perkins at least deserves to be cut some slack.

He was simply showing his frustration. You would hope those riders don’t do that, but this is the Commonwealth Games.

His chance of winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal has been taken away from him. He is a very frustrated young man, so you have to let that one slide, I think.

How do you think we would have reacted if Perkins had gotten through and another disqualified rider had been such a bad sport? We would have thought it was evidence of our vast sporting and sportsmanship superiority I bet.

While we’re sweeping the medal haul at the Commonwealth Games, the least we can do is act like adults while we’re doing it.

While the Americans might be the ones to beat at the Olympics, at least while puffing out their chests they also have their tongues firmly planted in their cheeks.

These two Aussies obviously take themselves way to seriously. It’s embarrassing.

Most commented

53 comments

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    • Denny Crane says:

      09:10am | 07/10/10

      Ths Commonwealth games are a joke, why is their no winter sports at these games, its the Commonwealth games, not the Summer Commonwealth games.

      Getting onto us Aussies being bad sports who actually cares, at least thier is no off field drama, I remember Charles Barkley before the 1996 games and asked what he thought of Angola playing the US, and he said i dont know where that is, but i know they are in trouble.

      Whats wrong with having some attitude, if we can pysch out the opposition so be it, if we lose we are annoyed good for them, no one remebers who one silver or bronze, or nothing

      Reply

    • bella starkey says:

      09:33am | 07/10/10

      There are very few nations in the commonwealth that really have the climate for winter sports. Sure you could have a competition between Canada and Scotland but i really don’t think it would have the pulling power.

    • marley says:

      11:13am | 07/10/10

      Well, actually, I think quite a few people care if Aussies show poor sportsmanship.  These are the “friendly games” after all.  And you’re probably right, no one remembers that an Aussie won silver, but everyone is going to remember that an Aussie behaved like a spoiled, mannerless brat.  Good image, that one.

      PS how do you “psych” out the opposition after you’ve already been disqualified or lost?

    • Denny Crane says:

      11:27am | 07/10/10

      There would be 11 who at least play winter sports, England, Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, Wales, Isle of Man, Falkland Islands, Gilbrater, Guernsey, Norther Ireland, and even us Aussies.

      Can you just see the bobsleigh, or Luge, as we remember Jamaica once competed in this, i am seeing it now winter sports in India, half completed Luge track, afetr watching some of the games, having the winter sports would add an extra dimension.

      On side note i am predicting less athletes overstaying visas. a common occurence at Commonwealth & Olympic Games, athlestes not wanting to return home

    • Mr Subramanian says:

      11:40am | 07/10/10

      Would there be the one venue that could cope with the range of climates required to support both summer and winter games? I haven’t seen any snow so for in the Delhi CWG coverage…

    • Gregg says:

      08:22pm | 07/10/10

      @ Denny,
      Winter Games on Isle Of Man, and sure England had Eddie the Eagle!, Gilbraltar!, and NI?
      I think we had just better leave the Commonwealth Games as they have always been and that’s for Summer sports and let the varioys world Cups/Championships fill for winter activities in between the every four years of the Winter Olympics.

    • Macca says:

      09:25am | 07/10/10

      Cyclists seem to be the biggest Prima Donna’s out of the CWG / Olympic athletes. Right up their with Track Sprinters, but we don’t have any of those.

      The Wrestling fella clearly felt he was cheated out of his gold. It was unfortunate and is not representative of how most Australians view sport.

      Lets just focus on the swimmers, female tennis players, netball and hockey players who are all very pretty. How they remain so bright and bubbly despite the emotional and physical exhaustion is somewhat concerning?

      Reply

    • The Badger says:

      09:54am | 07/10/10

      Macca don’t overlook our sprinters.
      What about
      Australian sprinters Melissa Breen and Sally Pearson who both advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 100m
      OR
      Aaron Rouge-Serret in the 100 m semifinal?
      OR
      The guys and girls in the 4 x 100M relays?

    • Macca says:

      11:24am | 07/10/10

      @Badger, Sally Pearson is a hurdler by trade who will also give the sprints a go. The technique and skill required for her art place her well above the self involved princesses who run in a straight line for a few seconds. She’s just wonderful.

      As for Aaron Rouge-Serrett, I know what you’re thinking, and no, I’m no suprised a male sprinter has the last name Rouge-Serrett, just about sums it up perfectly. Sounds like a pompous character from SATC. Seriously, best of luck to him, but he’s going to need better than 10.4 to get a medal.

      As for the Relay, they Track Athletes never seem to show the same love that the Swimmers and other team sports show. Atleast the tennisers and basketballists give each other a pat on the bym every now and then. I’m not holding out any hopes of a gold there.

    • Jim says:

      12:33pm | 07/10/10

      Badger…we’re up against countries like The Isle of Man, and Tuvalu. Don’t get too excited champ…

    • remlap says:

      09:29am | 07/10/10

      I want to know what Kevin Andrews MP has to say on the matter of Shane Perkins…

      Reply

    • Justin says:

      11:09am | 07/10/10

      It’s not only that a couple of our kids got upset with the teachers & had to give their ribbons back, but you would have to think that they probably won’t get picked for the regional carnival now.

      They’ll probably get detention too, but I hope the principal doesn’t try to withhold their HSC results.

      Reply

    • Brad Coward says:

      12:30pm | 07/10/10

      Two Australian athletes act like horses backsides and the entire Australian Commonwealth Games team is tarred with the same brush ?  Just a little unfair, Tors !

      As for the games being ” anachronistic “....any athlete who really doesn’t want to be there, doesn’t have to be there.  Perhaps renaming the four yearly event would make it more palatable to those who having strong republican leanings ?  No mention of Queen or commonwealth.  I’m sure that that is tasting better already ! 

      At the end of the day, it’s a sports carnival.  You chose to participate or attend.  Nobody forces you on to the track or to sit down in front of the television because you couldn’t get a ticket.  If you aren’t interested, hire a DVD or start reading a good book, but for goodness sake stop bitching !

      Reply

    • marley says:

      06:53pm | 07/10/10

      That’s all fine and well, if they weren’t there on my and your tax dollar.  And part of the team. We’re paying for these idiots to embarrass us. 

      And republicanism has nothing to do with it.  Most of the countries competing are in fact republics. 

      The point is, the Games may or may not be anachronistic, but some of our athletes obviously are. Is winning gold so important that we are prepared to defend the indefensible?

    • Alex says:

      01:37pm | 07/10/10

      A) Until you have competed at that level and know the intricacies of the respective sports, don’t pass judgement. You do not know the emotional pressure they endure.

      B) Learn what grammer and spelling are.

      Reply

    • TheRealDave says:

      02:05pm | 07/10/10

      @Alex

      Bollocks. Utter Bollocks. As children we are taught about sportsmanship. Bad sportsmanship is NEVER tolerated - no matter what level the competition, no matter what the sport. Ever.

      As Australian representatives on the world stage they should be suspended immediately until a hearing can be held and a proper term of punishment i.e. banning, is determined.

    • AFR says:

      03:11pm | 07/10/10

      Please don’t try to preach to others on “grammer” (sic) until you learn how to spell it.

    • Grammar says:

      03:16pm | 07/10/10

      What’s “grammer”?

    • Garry says:

      03:17pm | 07/10/10

      I agree with TheRealDave on this. We teach sportmanship yet some role models have decided to throw that out with their dummy spat.

      To also add comment, our children have role models yet when these role models fault they say ‘Don’t want to be role models’ yet I bet everyone of them as a kid had a role model and I bet we have more failures as role models today than we did in the past. Maybe it is in the eye of the media but I think not, the media has been around a while now.

      We are in fear of being tarnished with the already said ‘Ugly American’ tag and that is a criminal shame in my eyes. Our stars are all stars - our dummy spits have no place. Please don’t sour our pride at winning with the maturity of a eight year old (sorry to all eight year olds out there)

    • Mick says:

      03:22pm | 07/10/10

      B)  It’s spelled ‘grammar’

    • Lazy Jesus says:

      03:27pm | 07/10/10

      It’s GRAMMAR, not GRAMMER. If your going to lambaste someone at least get it right.

    • Benny says:

      04:06pm | 07/10/10

      It’s grammar.

      if you’re going to be condescending, at least follow your own rules.

    • mikeymike says:

      04:09pm | 07/10/10

      a)  You mean like all of the other top Aussie athletes who manage to live through bad referring decisions and just deal with it?  When my sons looks to sporting heroes, I hope they emulate Adam Gilchrist and not Shane Perkins.

      b)  Oh dear.  It’s grammar.  There’s no ‘e’.

    • Ben says:

      04:12pm | 07/10/10

      It’s grammar.

      If you’re going to be condescending at least follow your own rules.

    • Az says:

      04:20pm | 07/10/10

      @ Alex, 

      A) Emotional pressure is no excuse for acting like a petulant child, particularly when you are representing your country.

      B) errr…... it’s grammar actually.

    • Matt says:

      04:30pm | 07/10/10

      grammer?  Or could you mean grammar?

      Sore losers are still losers..

    • Werner says:

      05:59pm | 07/10/10

      I would have spelled that word correctly:  grammar.

    • Wilma says:

      06:02pm | 07/10/10

      The athletes are representing Australia and regardless of whatever pressure they are under, I don’t want my country presented like this . No medals would be preferable.

    • marley says:

      06:57pm | 07/10/10

      I don’t give a rat’s ass about the “emotional pressure” they endure.  They’re professionals, they’re paid by the taxpayer to be there and to represent us, and if they fail to do so, then they should be prepared to cop the flak.

      And by the way, I’ve seen athletes of higher quality compete under far more intense circumstances, and accept both victory and defeat with grace.

    • Grammar & spelling police says:

      07:29pm | 07/10/10

      Um…..that would be grammAr Alex. NOT grammEr.
      Might pay to heed your own advice there champ.

    • ladybuglauren says:

      07:40pm | 07/10/10

      Also, it’s ‘grammar’.  If you’re going to be pompous, at least be correct.

    • Gregg says:

      08:27pm | 07/10/10

      Really Dave?,
      Just how much actual teaching have you done of late?
      And ever attend any childrens sports competitions to see just how well some [parents behave in setting role models, especially when vitriole is often directed at the officials.

      And one hell of a lot more pressure there can be, that’s for sure!

    • Rebecca says:

      08:40pm | 07/10/10

      A) If you can’t handle it, don’t do it.

      B) grammar

    • Daniel says:

      09:01pm | 07/10/10

      Post of the week! I was laughing at the: don’t comment on the moon because you aren’t Armstrong attitude but “grammer” was simply awesome. Thank you Alex. That is fantastic.

    • Fan says:

      03:58pm | 07/10/10

      @TheRealDave
      Whole heartedly agree.

      @Alex..“B) learn what grammer and spelling are”.....I think you will find that grammar is the word you are looking for.

      Reply

    • Joe says:

      04:31pm | 07/10/10

      @Alex “Grammar”

      Reply

    • Leah says:

      04:45pm | 07/10/10

      To be honest, I wouldn’t really have cared if it had been another competitor from a different country reacting the way Perkins did. I would have cared less, in fact.

      These two Aussies were not taking themselves too seriously. Both actions were temper-fuelled reactions. I am not saying that’s ok, but I’m saying it’s not the equivalent of Americans being arrogant tossers at the Olympics. There is a difference prancing around acting like you own the field/pool/velodrome/what have you, and getting cranky when you get disqualified. Like I said, I’m not saying it’s OK to react that way, but I think most people would probably find it a bit more understandable than the behaviour of the Americans you are trying to draw parallels with.

      Reply

    • Dave-o says:

      05:14pm | 07/10/10

      Could be worse, could have stormed out of the velodrome and locked himself in a port-a-loo like a certain Kiwi did a few years ago at a motor racing event. Sometimes bad sportsmanship is half the spectacle

      Reply

    • Wolf says:

      06:28pm | 07/10/10

      Well, I will try to stick to the point, and not introduce Winter games, politicians, grammar or other sports into the equasion.

      A 2 finger salute:
      It is actually used by the Polish military and uniformed services and by Cub Scouts.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-finger_salute

      In the Polish military it means ‘honour and fatherland’ and that can’t be that bad if it is used by the Scout movement as well?

      Maybe Shane was a Scout when he was younger.

      Hassene Fkiri got everything he deserves, not acceptable.

      Shane Perkins gets my benefit of the doubt, because there is a HUGE difference between the way fingers are shown.

      Maybe ‘The Punch’ can get this message to Shane, cos I have not found one way yet, to send a message of support to our Team in India.

      Cheers
      Wolf

      Reply

    • Horthy says:

      08:35pm | 07/10/10

      Truer words were never spoken: We have a Norman May, not a Norman Mailer.

      Reply

    • RHB says:

      09:04am | 08/10/10

      Nice bit of TISM there Horthy! That song sums it up beautifully…

    • Heléna says:

      09:09pm | 07/10/10

      that would be grammar @Alex wink

      Reply

    • Anthony says:

      04:07am | 08/10/10

      I feel that it has not been adequately pointed out that Alex misspelled “grammar” and would therefore like to point out to him that the word “grammar” is not in fact spelled “grammer”, and would also like to add that he looks like a huge doofus right now.

      Reply

    • Brissy Girl says:

      06:01am | 08/10/10

      Funny you should say that of the American swim team. In 2001, both the Australian and American swim teams used the facilities at my old school during the Goodwill Games in Brisbane. As a student there at the time, we were all taken with the graciousness and friendliness of the US team, as they would talk to us, pose for photos with us, and handed us little team pins if we came down to watch them training. In contrast, the Aussies wanted nothing to do with us.

      Reply

    • Brissy Girl says:

      06:03am | 08/10/10

      Funny you should say that of the American swim team. In 2001, both the Australian and American swim teams used the facilities at my old school during the Goodwill Games in Brisbane. As a student there at the time, we were all taken with the graciousness and friendliness of the US team, as they would talk to us, pose for photos with us, and handed us little team pins if we came down to watch them training. In contrast, the Aussies wanted nothing to do with us.

      Reply

    • Ex-Australian in USA says:

      12:49pm | 08/10/10

      Thank you Brissy Girl for you kind words and sharing your insight into American sportsmen. Having lived in the US for the past 25 years and traveled most of the country, I have found that the vast majority of Americans are as you describe, gracious and friendly. Some are loud and very extroverted, others are quiet and reserved, but here is no denying their exuberance when demonstrating their national pride. I was so impressed with all of these qualities, in particular their penchant for hard work and independence, that I took citizenship and raised my family here.

    • FootInMouth says:

      08:51am | 08/10/10

      How d’ya feal Alex?

      Reply

    • Saskia says:

      10:27am | 08/10/10

      The Australian’s problems started with our utterly woeful team uniforms that were not only ugly, ill-fitting and p*ssed-clown-like but were so artificial and unsuitable for the climate that our athletes has huge sweat patches under their arms and all over their crotches and buttocks.  Totally disgusting and embarrassing to the country.  Who was the twat who ‘designed’ them??

      Then our cocky boo-headed athletes march out like lost sheep with almost every single one of them holding up a camera! 

      Word to officials:  Ban them from using cameras and mobiles during the ceremony!!  We look like hicks.  (Sadly we are).

      Then to cap it off our chef-de-mission looks like ‘droopy’ the dogfrom Hanna Barbera cartoon days, and our female equivalent - well, lets just say she presents a worse image of our ladies internationally than Joooolya Gillaaaarrrrd.

      Bring back some class.  What a bunch of odd-balls, red-necks and boof-heads we look.

      Reply

    • Dieter Moeckel says:

      10:31am | 08/10/10

      Sport is no longer sport; it’s mass entertainment and international battle of prestige.
      I remember long ago reading a book where the Ancient Roman senate debated the role of seven ships in Egypt either bringing back grain or sand for the arena. They settled for sand because it was easier to entertain the multitudes than to feed them.
      It appears to me that it is easier to propagandise the might of your nation by building stadia and training athletes aka gladiators, than to feed the poor, house the homeless and support the needy [leave that to the churches and charities.] And I include Australia - how many homeless can we house with the cost of one athlete sponsored at the Australian Institute of Sport.
      Sport is for doing, not watching, Olympic games are for amateurs not nationally sponsored gladiators.

      Reply

    • stephen says:

      11:27am | 08/10/10

      The Games being held in India is downright silly, cause the Indians don’t like sport cause no-one is there watching.
      (They do enjoy, however, Cricket and riding on trains, which someone once pointed out has identical trailblazing skills….God rest his soul.)
      And sport doesn’t really bring us together either, except to see how they can do fireworks, hoola-hoops and smiles-whilst-dancing.
      The Games - all games - are competitive, and you can’t like someone if your trying to make them look stupid and second-rate by winning all their races.
      If societies want to like and understand India, we should tell the Pakistanis ter get the hell out of Kashmir.
      These competitions are a spectacle, and as I’m never goin ter India, thank God fer telly.

      Reply

    • Ken says:

      12:34am | 11/10/10

      Aussies only like watching sport not doing it. Why else are we the FATTEST nation on earth, moreso than the US?

    • Helen says:

      11:53am | 08/10/10

      The actions of these two “sportsmen” make me embarrassed to be Australian, again.  Their actions just compound the view of us in the eyes of the rest of the world that we’re cocky, uneducated morons!

      Reply
 
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