The games are on in good old London! Thousands of athletes from all around the world shall compete in the XXX Games of the Olympiad in England, with the iconic city in the background. As always, each edition of the Olympic Games brings in with it something new and unique, extra and different.
So what does London 2012 have to offer? Quite a bit, in fact. London 2012, in more ways than one, mirrors a new world - one that is fighting for liberalism. Over the last year or so, various regions of the world have risen up against restrictions. The Middle East is revolting. Afghanistan is limping back. The world economy is struggling. The world is looking forward to a new dawn - it is changing gears. London 2012 stands for all of that.
Take for example, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has always been one of the most conservative naitons in the world. Liberties of various sections of the society have long been on hold, particularly the rights of women. But Saudi is changing. In September 2011, King Abdullah announced that women shall be allowed to vote and run in municipal elections in the Kingdom. Following that, Saudi also allowed women to take part in the Olympic Games at London for the first time ever in history. Controversy ensued, with the International Judo Federation forbidding Saudi's female judo competitor from wearing a headscarf. Enraged, the Kingdom snapped back saying that they would boycott the Games if their judo fighter wasn't allowed to compete. But better sense prevailed as the two warring factions finally came to a compromise. As a result, in what was a historic moment for Muslim women in the Middle East, long repressed by their men, Saudi's women athletes took part in the Olympic march at the opening ceremony of London 2012.
A similar story is up from the Paralympics, where 18-year-old Afghan swimmer, Malek Mohammad, shall be representing his country. Malek lost both his legs very early due to a Soviet landmine while walking through a field near Kabul's airport. What he didn't lose was his spirit. An American traveller noticed Malek and took him to America where he got prosthetic limbs made for himself. Malek didn't look back, training hard at aquatics. Today, Malek embodies every bit of his country - torn by violence, fighting for survival.
Double amputee 'Blade Runner', Oscar Pistorius, is yet another who shall make history in the 2012 Games. The South African will be the first ever amputee in history to take part at the Olympics, representing his country at the individual and relay 400 m race. Pistorius' participation wasn't without controversy either. Many have raised doubts over whether his prosthetic limbs shall give him an unfair advantage at the sprints. But how many of us shall dream of running at the Olympics after losing both our legs? Pistorius is one, heralding a new world.
The Olympic Games have often reflected the troubles of their times, from the killings at the Munich Games of 1972 to Tommie Smith and John Carlos' joint protests against racism at the Mexico Games of 1968. The Games have often awakened the world to the sufferings of many. London 2012 is now doing its bit, through the likes of Malek Mohammad and Oscar Pistorius. The Games are mirroring a new world - one filled with possibilities. As Pistorius himself said, "I'm fed up with it! I want to prove them wrong."
So what does London 2012 have to offer? Quite a bit, in fact. London 2012, in more ways than one, mirrors a new world - one that is fighting for liberalism. Over the last year or so, various regions of the world have risen up against restrictions. The Middle East is revolting. Afghanistan is limping back. The world economy is struggling. The world is looking forward to a new dawn - it is changing gears. London 2012 stands for all of that.
Take for example, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has always been one of the most conservative naitons in the world. Liberties of various sections of the society have long been on hold, particularly the rights of women. But Saudi is changing. In September 2011, King Abdullah announced that women shall be allowed to vote and run in municipal elections in the Kingdom. Following that, Saudi also allowed women to take part in the Olympic Games at London for the first time ever in history. Controversy ensued, with the International Judo Federation forbidding Saudi's female judo competitor from wearing a headscarf. Enraged, the Kingdom snapped back saying that they would boycott the Games if their judo fighter wasn't allowed to compete. But better sense prevailed as the two warring factions finally came to a compromise. As a result, in what was a historic moment for Muslim women in the Middle East, long repressed by their men, Saudi's women athletes took part in the Olympic march at the opening ceremony of London 2012.
A similar story is up from the Paralympics, where 18-year-old Afghan swimmer, Malek Mohammad, shall be representing his country. Malek lost both his legs very early due to a Soviet landmine while walking through a field near Kabul's airport. What he didn't lose was his spirit. An American traveller noticed Malek and took him to America where he got prosthetic limbs made for himself. Malek didn't look back, training hard at aquatics. Today, Malek embodies every bit of his country - torn by violence, fighting for survival.
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| Blade Runner: Oscar Pistorius takes off |
The Olympic Games have often reflected the troubles of their times, from the killings at the Munich Games of 1972 to Tommie Smith and John Carlos' joint protests against racism at the Mexico Games of 1968. The Games have often awakened the world to the sufferings of many. London 2012 is now doing its bit, through the likes of Malek Mohammad and Oscar Pistorius. The Games are mirroring a new world - one filled with possibilities. As Pistorius himself said, "I'm fed up with it! I want to prove them wrong."
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