All of us remember Eric the Eel from the 2004 Athens Games, the swimmer who notably could not swim very well, and had no pool to train in. I think he is still trying to reach the finish now, 6 years on.
And the UK has fond memories of Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards, the ski jumper who could fly like a brick, and despite having the honour of being the countries "best" ski-jumper (indeed the ONLY ski-jumper), came a very predictable last in the Olympic competition way back in 1988.
And the point with Eddie was that his sport was an exremely dangerous one, if you are not competent to do it. Now a Georgian luger has been killed in practice before the Games have even begun. BBC report that the man would not have been competent to qualify for a place in the luge world championship.
Should those in dangerous sports like this have to prove their competence before going on the big stage?
And the UK has fond memories of Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards, the ski jumper who could fly like a brick, and despite having the honour of being the countries "best" ski-jumper (indeed the ONLY ski-jumper), came a very predictable last in the Olympic competition way back in 1988.
And the point with Eddie was that his sport was an exremely dangerous one, if you are not competent to do it. Now a Georgian luger has been killed in practice before the Games have even begun. BBC report that the man would not have been competent to qualify for a place in the luge world championship.
Should those in dangerous sports like this have to prove their competence before going on the big stage?