Olympic 'Heros' in the spirit of the 'Games' or fools making a mockery??

In the past the Olympic games have seen a few contestants who have been the best thier respective Countires have been able to put forward to enter the games despite being way behind the standard required to have any chance of standing a chance of victory,,
 
Examples,
 
Eddy the eagle..Ski jumper..UK
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_%22The_Eagle%22_Edwards
 
Eric the eal.. 100M swimmer ..Equatorial Guinea
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Moussambani
 
Now these cats have provided huge entertainment and given the crowds something to cheer for (for a different reason) compaired to the rest.
 
They have also been classed as foolish and a joke by many serious athletes,
 
Whats your views on this one?
 
 

I think they're allowed to compete to get up viewing figures and encourage others in to the world of olympic competition.

Bit late to this thread but nevermind!

Personally I think they're ok these lower level guys - as they are only allowed to compete if they're the best their country has to offer

It's not like those videos you sometimes see of someone who clearly doesn't train getting on a bodybuilding stage just to take the piss, these guys although they're not very good are the best back home

And they do add entertainment to be fair

If they're the best that the country can put them forward then let them have a crack at it. Sometimes the massive underdog comes up trumps after all.

Trident, do you listen to much Jazz music? Please say you do. I love how you say 'these cats' lol

drab4


Bit late to this thread but nevermind!

Personally I think they're ok these lower level guys - as they are only allowed to compete if they're the best their country has to offer

It's not like those videos you sometimes see of someone who clearly doesn't train getting on a bodybuilding stage just to take the piss, these guys although they're not very good are the best back home

And they do add entertainment to be fair

Thats pritty much how I see it too bro.
 
I know hey 'killed off' Eddy the eagle by making the qualifiction standards higher for future events, bit shi*y that IMO as he generated alot of viewing and even got a mention is the O games closing speech,lol.
 
 

I think it's a difficult balance on some events for the olympics organisers - some events are inherently more dangerous than others and as such should have stricter rules governing the level of ability of the competitors. This years luge accident shows how even quite skilled competitors in some events are in critical danger still.

If somebody is genuinely the best at an event and is representing their country that's great, but if that is because their country has little or no interest in that event and there is little or no chance of even coming close to competing seriously then you have to wonder what is the point?