Rio 2016 Crowd’s Shocking Treatment to French Pole Vaulter Renaud Lavillenie
The Olympics is known to be an international event that fosters sportsmanship and respect. This didn't seem to be the case as Renaud Lavillenie was booed twice by Rio fans. As a result, the silver medalist was reduced to tears when the champion, Rio de Janeiro's own Thiago Braz da Silva, was being announced the winner.
The feeling of dejection in failing to get the gold was intensified by the Brazilian fans' jeers and insults. His competitor consoled him after the game but this was not enough to relieve him of his hurt feelings. He expressed his pain and disappointment in French media and countless of fans obviously shared this feeling of anger.
Lavillenie exclaimed: "It's disgusting, there is a total lack of fair play and I want to stress that the Brazilian is not involved at all." He added that the treatment disturbed him greatly and even compared his situation to what African-American athlete Jesse Owens endured. Owens who won four gold medals in the Nazi-era Berlin Games back in 1936 was heavily ridiculed because of his background. However, Renaud took back what he said immediately and apologized explaining that he was just angry at that time.
Even the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, was shocked after witnessing this the crowd's ill-treatment. His feelings was supported by spokesman Mario Andrada. He said, "As citizens of Brazil and as sports fans, we don't think booing is the right attitude, even when you are in a one-to-one competition and a young Brazilian has the chance to beat the world champion." To alleviate the effects of this inhospitable attitude to visiting countries, Andrada said that they will 'intensify' the dialogue with Brazilian fans, reminding them to behave properly.
On the other hand, some netizens think that Lavillenie is just a crybaby. As one commented, "...people get crazy and excited for things they are passionate about, and more so if it has to do with someone representing their own country."
There might be some truth to this too as one should recognize that this is a sports event and the expression of strong feelings is inevitable. However, events like this can also be the cause of future changes in Olympic rules to further promote professionalism even in cheering or supporting fellow citizens.
