Should Australian Olympic athletes take down their Boxing Kangaroo flag?
By mipen2006
@mipen2006 (5528)
Australia
February 5, 2010 10:53pm CST
The IOC has requested the Australian Olympic team take down their boxing kangaroo flag form the athletes village in Vancouver. All Australians disagree. The flag became an Australian icon in 1983, when Australia won the prestigious America’s Cup. However, it was on Australian fighters in World War 11, and is now the property of the Australian Olympic Committee, and has been displayed at all recent Olympic Games. I wonder what myLotters think.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
7 Feb 10
Having read pola’s response it clarifies the situation a bit. I don’t have a problem with the Boxing Kangaroo flag and, as you mentioned, it has been an Aussie icon since our famous American Cup win. If the flag is not displayed in the appropriate place then that is fair enough but I hope they can still display it elsewhere; it may not be official but it does represent Australia.
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
7 Feb 10
Hi paila, I wouldn't mind if it replaced the Union Jack part of our national flag. What pola said is correct, but that rises the question why wasn't this action taken the first time the 'Boxing Kangaroo' was flown? Why after almost thirty years, and eightgames?
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
6 Feb 10
I just heard, so it's still under discussion. The flag is still not down, so lets hope sanity prevails.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
6 Feb 10
The problem is that flag is hanging from team windows in athletes' village, not in the area specifically design for flags. In addition to, flag has trademark, looks like commercial and commercial is against the rule.
National banners are only flags permitted in the village.
I truly understand your concern, but can you imagine other countries hanging their mascots? I wouldn't like to see German or Russian mascots related to WW II
I just use common sense. I don't see the whole issue being against Australian Team.
Rules are for everyone.
HUGS
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
6 Feb 10
Hi pola, this is not the official Australian flag, and has been on display at all Summer and Winter Olympics since the 80s. The trade mark is owned by the Australian Olympic Committee. I hear the Canadian Government has offered the athletes an alternate place for their flag if the IOC write an official letter demanding the flag be taken down. They have not yet put the demand in writing.
