Athletes did their best at Olympics

I have read and heard some citizens expressing their opinion that athletes who “barely achieve the Olympic qualifying standards” should not be sent to the Olympics as they are practically guaranteed not to medal.

While this may well be true in the practical and pragmatic sense, following this trend of thought will, in my opinion, kill the spirit of an untold amount of athletes, while also opening the door to a whole new set of debates as to who will be “allowed” to go to the Olympics, since qualifying alone clearly will not be enough.

Let us also remember that Usain Bolt of Jamaica and our own Ato Boldon, who went on to different levels of stardom for their respective countries, went to their first Olympics as unknowns, performed “unmedalled” and returned unheralded, to perform with distinction at later Games.

I also congratulate Michelle- Lee Ahee for her record qualification for three finals in one Olympic Games.

Machel Cedenio also performed with distinction and broke the national 400 metre record that had stood for the last 24 years.

Our 4x100 women qualified for their first final, while our men’s 4x100 and 4x400 teams have regularly reached their finals.

They have also regularly benefitted from the disqualification of other teams, so while we would be disappointed at our disqualification, karma rules in the end.

I thank all our athletes for representing us to the best of their ability, while extending deepest appreciation to our retiring athletes and hoping that the powers that be would show them the nation’s appreciation in a tangible, realistic manner.

Brian Patino San Juan