Our Gold Medal Winners Should Be Promoting Sport Not Themselves
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
August 13, 2012 10:44am CST
I've had a great time watching the Olympics during the last fortnight. However, one thing is troubling me.
Our Gold Medal winners (especially the so-called good-looking ones like Jessica Ennis) are set to earn millions via interviews on telly and, basically, making fools of themselves for cash. I don't mind this in small doses but I KNOW I'll get fed up of it if she and the others are on telly all the time. Get back on the race track is my advice lol.
I, for one, will not tune in to "Strictly Come Dancing" if any of the Olympians appears on it, only when they've been knocked out, hopefully after the first week.
I just feel uncomfortable with it. Garry Richardson (a pathetic BBC Sports reporter who always asks athletes, etc stupid questions) asked an amateur boxer, who had just won Gold, "when are you going to turn professional?" The guy told him he's only been fighting for 4 years in an amateur capacity and "needs more amateur fights."
"Good for you!"
I shouted at the screen but I only hope he is true to his word. After all, that leech Amir Khan (whose self-promotion during the Games was nauseating to watch) told everyone he was going to remain amateur after winning his Silver Medal at the 2004 Games but the lure of money was too much..and look at him now.
A washed-up has-been that no-one respects, no matter what the BBC Presenter (crawler) said about him yesterday.
I, for one, will not tune in to "Strictly Come Dancing" if any of the Olympians appears on it, only when they've been knocked out, hopefully after the first week.
I just feel uncomfortable with it. Garry Richardson (a pathetic BBC Sports reporter who always asks athletes, etc stupid questions) asked an amateur boxer, who had just won Gold, "when are you going to turn professional?" The guy told him he's only been fighting for 4 years in an amateur capacity and "needs more amateur fights."
"Good for you!" I shouted at the screen but I only hope he is true to his word. After all, that leech Amir Khan (whose self-promotion during the Games was nauseating to watch) told everyone he was going to remain amateur after winning his Silver Medal at the 2004 Games but the lure of money was too much..and look at him now.
A washed-up has-been that no-one respects, no matter what the BBC Presenter (crawler) said about him yesterday.3 people like this
7 responses
@marguicha (230365)
• Chile
13 Aug 12
I agree with you up to some point, but I do know that in certain countries, the only time in their lives that a person might earn some money (to last him for the rest of his life) could be this moment. In some countries, noone is interested much in helping their athletes until they reach the one moment of glory. And then, as you say, they grow old and turn into has-beens. And they still have to eat and care for their family. The nedia should be more responsible though and ask them reasonable questions that could help other younger spotsmen to reach their goals.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 Aug 12
The guy I've got my eye on is Bradley Wiggins. He has (quite rightly) made millions out of his bike-riding but he has often said on camera that he "detests" the celebrity scene. I've seen him be interviewed a few times but that's OK, it's when they go into the Big Brother House that I have slight reservations about their motives lol.
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
13 Aug 12
I think they can't help it. They would be milking every ounce of limelight that they have to earn more cash. Just being human. Specially for the sports that are not well funded. They would line up endorses as long there are some, and as long as the athletes are relevant.
I just hope that once in a while, in their interviews, they don't forget to promote their sports. And actually encourage younger kids to follow them.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Aug 12
Ian Thorpe the Australian swimmer (who has been working for the BBC this Olympics) was filmed teaching some kids how to swim at Tooting Lido the other day. He's such a nice man and I hope some of our successful Olympians do something similar.
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
15 Aug 12
Personally it is Sad, and something you often see anywhere you go. Too many times people forget about what it took for them to get there, and instead when offered money they take that and forget about the real Sport and many times end up falling Flat on their face. Personally maybe that is one reason I enjoy like Basketball or Baseball in the Olympics as they use people in there who are Professional Sports players who can prove they can also Win gold as well.
@musicman6 (2413)
• United States
13 Aug 12
Most human beings are going to be 'greedy', Janey, even if they themselves are not, they are going to have hundreds of people around them selling them on ideas of fame and fortune !
Only the smart ones will survive ! The others will lose their money to the 'wolves'!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Aug 12
The amateur boxer I mentioned has got an intelligent head on his shoulders but the pressure on him to turn "pro" is immense. I only hope he resists and carries on being the best amateur boxer to ever grace the boxing ring. It's a big "ask" but it's far too soon for him to go professional..and the poor lamb is only 23!
@changjiangzhibin89 (17244)
• China
14 Aug 12
My point exactly.It gives no cause for much criticism that they occasionally appear on telly,after all it can inspire other athletes' fighting will in a sense.However if they frequently do that, we have to think they aim to fish for compliments and make money.What a sad state of affairs! money is everything to some athletes.
@Orson_Kart (8321)
• United Kingdom
13 Aug 12
I too cringed every time that reporter was interviewing the athletes. Same old questions - "What have you got to say to all those who have helped you?" After they had just thanked everyone and their dog. Doh!
However, I think you can't have enough of the likes of Jessica Ennis and Victoria Pentleton on tv. Better than looking at the same old faces like Adrian's Child. Can't stand him. Of course I may be a little biased here.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Aug 12
Adrian's Child lol. I know exactly who you mean..and you will be reassured to learn I can't stand him either!
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
14 Aug 12
Oh Janey.. It is a general thing... One performs the best, shows the world that they are the best... And then follow the interviews etc.. But do they get millions??? Wow man, I did not know this... I thought it happens only in Cricket... One note on these lines: if any Indian athelete wins a Gold, he/she'll be billionaire in no time... The ones who got silver will get millions... :-)... It is a shame that such a huge country with such a huge population, could not get an athlete who could win a Gold this time... Shame on us!
