Every Summer Olympics, I seem to get really hyped up for the venue, my favorite games to watch, and the star athletes competing for my home country, and even some from other countries. However, this year in Rio has been marked by a lot of controversies. Between the infectious Brazilian waters, the debt on the already poor country, the violent crime, the corruption, and the outbreak of the Zika virus, how can we in good conscience support the Olympic games when they put so many athletes and spectators at risk?
Fortunately, it's pretty easy as a spectator to pack up and go home, or choose to stay in front of the TV and watch the Games from there. It is less easy to pack up and go home when your entire life has been in preparation for the chance to win a medal for yourself and your country. Over 1600 athletes are risking life and livelihood this summer to go to Rio, and while every sport has its risks, athletes should not have to fear deadly diseases and violent crime while pursuing their dreams. It seems a natural response would be to boycott the Games, and make the decision not to watch them if the Olympics are not going to be moved to somewhere safer. Yet this move would again hurt the athletes participating in the games, and it would not change their current situation. While it might eventually get the message across to the Olympic Committee, as of the moment, boycotting the Summer Olympics would change nothing.
While the Games are a serious, and occasionally intense, competition, they do bring together the countries of the world somewhat peacefully. There are most certainly rivalries, and a strong drive to win, but much of the competition is acted out in peace. The athletes have a certain respect for one another, and it is interesting to see two countries with nothing in common play a common sport. The Olympic Games should be, and can be still about unity and competition.
That being noted, there are many things wrong with this year's Olympic Games, and fans of the Olympics should think long and hard before committing to support this summer in Rio. If nothing else, consider that while the athletes will eventually get to go home, the people who live in Rio de Janeiro must continue to live in such devastating conditions. Support the drive and discipline of athletes, but acknowledge the recklessness of the International Olympic Committee and the danger they have put the Olympics in.
