Opinion

Dirt in the Face

By John Gathright

Congratulations, Japan, for a great Olympics! It was with great pride that I watched Japan win all its medals, fairly and honestly. I wish I could say that I was as proud of all the medal-winning athletes from my native Canada

To be honest with you, after hearing about the situation surrounding Ross Rebagliati's snowboarding win, I felt sick to my stomach. In my opinion, Rebagliati, and the Canadian Olympic Association (COA), have smeared mud on the face of Canada.

Marijuana isn't on the IOC's list of banned substances, therefore the committee does not have the right to take away Ross Rebagliati's gold medal — this is the most absurd thing that I have ever heard! The Olympics were founded on and strive to uphold strong principles and values that include purity of body, soul and mind; fair competition; honesty; and sportsmanship.

In my book, people who take illegal drugs for "pleasure" don't fit this description and should certainly not be eligible to represent a nation in the Olympics. Marijuana is a mind-altering drug. It is illegal in Canada and in Japan

The amount detected in Rebagliati's system exceeded the minimum level imposed by the international governing body of snow boarding. So I applaud the IOC's initial action of taking away his gold. I find it totally ludicrous that the COA would ever dare to appeal that decision. Does Canada want a gold medal so badly that it will sully our standard and our reputation as a law-abiding, fair nation?

Rebagliati swears not to have smoked marijuana himself. But even if you buy into his story of secondhand smoke, it is still the secondhand smoke from close association with people using illegal drugs. He did not seem to comprehend the far-reaching consequences that his example could send globally, that "Drugs are OK."

Drugs aren't OK!!! They ruin lives and families. That is why they are against the law. Rebagliati is entitled to his own views concerning drugs, but no person, not even an Olympic athlete, should be above the law.

For those who pity Rebagliati, considering his hard work and 10 years of effort to get to the Olympics, don't be so myopic. Think of the investments of time, money and energy by thousands of police officers, juvenile counselors, teachers, parents and countless others. Collectively, these efforts reduce Rebagliati's efforts to a mere blip.

Because he was allowed to keep the gold, people the world over might get the wrong impression that Canadians don't believe in the law or live clean lives. That is not true. The majority of Canadians are law-abiding citizens

I am angry at the COA for misrepresenting Canadians. I am reminded of the saying, "Where much is given, much is expected." Olympic athletes are given much sponsorship and support for their years of training. Is it not natural for us to expect that they will represent us in a law-abiding and respectful manner?

Rebagliati may wear a gold medal around his neck, but it was won at the expense of all Canadians, who have had dirt thrown in their faces.

Shukan ST: March 13, 1998

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