I think I'm turning Japanese

For many years I was taunted because of the epicanthic folds I have in my eyes that give me,  a Yorkshire born , Scottish, Irish cross a slightly oriental look. I took the bullying badly as a child often reverting to violence but when I discovered I could bowl very fast I channeled that aggression wisely.

Now two things struck me about yesterday at the Olympics. One was the sad reflection of idiots attacking young Tom Daley with the kind of personal jibe that is unacceptable at any level of life. I wish Tom well and hope that he channels the anger he is now feeling and it helps him explode off the diving platform later in the competition.

The other refers to the title of this blog today and the debacle of the Japanese Silver Medal in the Gymnastics. Firstly let me say I hold no animosity against the gymnasts for they are all great performers and they behaved with honour on the podium as they refused to cheer or smile at the receiving of their medals. However the Japanese management in my book did not in appealing after the final whistle had gone.

What do I mean by that?

Well I was taught two things in sport. Firstly never argue with referees, umpires or judges. Accept their immediate decision as that is what they are there for and move on. They may be wrong but we are all human after all and we all make mistakes. Secondly once the whistle has blown and time has been called that is the end of the match and the result called stands. Had we been able to appeal the Frank Lampard goal the result in the last world cup may have been different, Had West Germany been able to appeal the third goal in 1966 the same may have applied, however both results, although somewhat dubious and debatable stand and are enshrined in sporting history. Yes I agree with my friend Steph who says that she would fight tooth and nail for a medal but on the field not after the whistle has gone and I think yesterday sport lost out and I am saddened.

Let us not take away the achievements of a Great Britain squad who performed out of their skins but I feel the colour of their medal should have been silver and I pity the Ukrainians who will lose funding because of their non medal. However the politics not the sport seemed to get in the way yesterday which is unfortunate.  

I am sure that in years to come we will all have our opinion on this just as we have on other defining moments in sport yet for now I say well done the young Japanese gymnasts for the non triumphalism they showed and the dignity they had at the ceremony, congratulations to the wonderful performance of the Great Britain team and to the rest............................ Bah Humbug!