Thoughts about the Olympic Torch Relay

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Sunday was a difficult day for many with the Olympic torch relay through the city of London.

The events that day sadly have not highlighted the great things which will happen here in 4 years’ time. The millions of people who will be inspired by sports, and the co-operation between nations.

My feeling is that the Olympics should be about uniting nations. It should be about using the platform of the Olympics to inspire people, to share ideas and ideals, to bring countries closer together to increase their knowledge and understanding of one another.

You have to ask the question, would it have been better if all the torchbearers had pulled out and the torch relay had not taken place at all, in which case, there would have been no event at which to protest and share views and messages?

Closing the doors is surely a poor method of communicating, and if the Olympics were not being held in Beijing, then there would not be an opportunity to communicate these matters to this extent on a world stage.

Whatever the future holds, I believe that dialogue is essential for progress and understanding.

Ellen

11 comments have been made

  • Laurence
  • 8th April, 2008

Communication is always vital , but on such a stage as this its hard to justify a spectacular, when maybe a low key event may have been appropriate ?

  • Mike
  • 9th April, 2008

To maintain the focus on what the Torch stands for is vital if those who have to face the challenge of issues, which dominated Sunday, is be resolved. Those carrying the torch did very well under difficult circumstances. It was right to go ahead in against the difficulties - hopefully the meaning of the Games will give those who can make the changes the courage to accept that changes are required and be brave enough to accept an issue is clearly there is be addressed.

  • Andy P
  • 9th April, 2008

Whilst I appreciate your argument and your position as a well respected sportsperson, when I saw that blue-clad Chinese security guy ‘urge’ you to hang-on when the Thames got a bit choppy, I REALLY wish you’d tossed that torch in the water!

  • moosmoos
  • 11th April, 2008

Thing is, we would probably all agree that the way China treats tibet is a disgrace.

But it would be hyporitical for any of us to say they China shouldn’t parade the olympic torch or host the olympics when everyone one of us is sponsoring China’s economy - Take of your shirt and check the label.

Another non-offensive post by moosmoos - by jove he’s getting the hang of it.

  • Amanda Pléven
  • 12th April, 2008

I quite agree that the Olympics should be about uniting nations and peoples, and inspiring our young people to give their very best in the name of sporting achievements. I feel sad for the sportsmen and women who could be put under pressure by political agendas, and I sincerely hope that politics won’t stop anyone from competing in the Olympics.

  • HELENE
  • 17th April, 2008

It’s absolutely right, I approve. Communication is the essence of life.

  • David
  • 17th April, 2008

Hi Ellen, congratulations for this blg! I´m a spanish student and my book of english have a report about you! I´m fascinated with your adventure.
Any way, I need to improve my english xdxdxd. pleased to meet you!

I think it very disengenuous you even even support the idea that the Olympics should be taking place in such a closed authoritarian country that oppresses and brutally closes down free speech in the way it does, let alone take part in that torch relay. Shame on you Ellen-we expected more from such a free spirit!

  • moosmoos
  • 18th April, 2008

To Frances: I’m on the fence with this one. On one hand I agree, should the world accept China by allowing them the Olympics. On the other hand there are some potential positives to come from putting China on the world stage.

But again, I come back to my eariler point. None of us really have any right to call anyone disengenuous on this matter when we are ‘ALL’ supporting China’s economy with probably with the vast amount of goods we buy from there.

How would I look telling you not to eat meat whilst tucking into a bacon sandwich? Probably like you after your comment.

  • AmbulanceJo
  • 30th April, 2008

Hi Ellen… I agree with you, but sat here in my little comfy warm home (after a heavy shift I might AD) I however feel that yes the event should have gone ahead, and although I didn’t enjoy the coverage and found it difficult explaining to my 10 year old daughter why her favorite BP presenter was being mobbed. I did tell her that free speech is very important and if people didn’t stand up for the things that they believe in, that the world would never change.. or become a better place…

  • drew
  • 18th May, 2008

ausome blog ellen u amaze me with every thing u do and sailing well if it werent for you i would not have got interested in it and well i love cheers drew dunn

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This is the personal Blog of me, Ellen MacArthur. I will be posting regular updates and news on my life and passions…

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