Carrying the Olympic Torch for Badminton
Tuesday April 8, 2008
In my hometown, I once saw the Olympic flame being carried aloft by jogging torchbearers on its way to Atlanta, GA. It was an exciting and moving experience to see the flame being handed from runner to runner, and to get a sense of the Olympic dream up close.
It turns out that this year, the torchbearers are already facing unusual challenges. Protesters are interfering with the progress of the flame because of their concerns about China's treatment of Tibet. Badminton players are right in the middle of all this because there are torchbearers in many countries who are Olympic badminton competitors. England and France both included badminton players as torchbearers, and that's where the flame just passed through.
Since China excels in badminton, there will be particular focus on that sport in anticipation of, and during, the Beijing Olympics. Look for controversy ahead!
It turns out that this year, the torchbearers are already facing unusual challenges. Protesters are interfering with the progress of the flame because of their concerns about China's treatment of Tibet. Badminton players are right in the middle of all this because there are torchbearers in many countries who are Olympic badminton competitors. England and France both included badminton players as torchbearers, and that's where the flame just passed through.
Since China excels in badminton, there will be particular focus on that sport in anticipation of, and during, the Beijing Olympics. Look for controversy ahead!
Comments
Say, wasn’t there a Hufford that was one of the runners for that torch? It’s a shame that the symbol of the Olympics has become a target for such political wrangling, but unfortnately, many of these worthy issues would not otherwise be brought to light.
There surely was a Hufford carrying that torch! None other than Fred Hufford, your guide’s older brother, who was selected from among all the citizens of Arlington County, VA to participate in the torch relay. And he handed off the torch to a former Olympian!