"China's Gold Rush" and the Spirit of the Olympics

Matt Forney's "China's Gold Rush" Op-Ed in the 8/8/08 Nytimes (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/opinion/06forney.html?ref=olympics) brings up an interesting point. China's obsession on winning, deliberately picking and investing in sports to boost their medal count, reducing sports to a ROI science-- is that really the point?? Winning is certainly important-- the obvious objective in sports. However, I would argue that the goal of winning provides an effective focus, a rallying point and facilitator to teach many other important and lasting lessons: discipline, dedication, respect, fairness, teamwork, pride, humility, sacrifice, pan-humanism.

China's top-down approach may produce medals, star athletes, and national pride but without bottoms-up participation, it's achievements sit atop of a great many has-been athletes poorly trained for any other profession due to a life spent in athletic academies and an entire population flushed with national pride but not themselves exposed to the values of good sportsmanship (lessons only-children darlings like me can surely use!).

I support spending for gold, glory, the Games. Erecting dazzling and daring stadiums for 100,000 people inspires its citizens and tells the world, "We've arrived." But constructing fields and facilities for schools and ordinary citizens builds the foundation for China's future... gotta keep our eyes on the prize.