Dear Editor,
I will take a different angle in relation to Dr Steve Surajbally’s letter in the SN titled, ‘Crawford kept the torch of true Olympism burning bright’ (February 6).
It is my opinion that it was a publicity stunt by Shawn Crawford at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to hand over his silver medal in the 200 metres to fellow Olympian Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles, and it will do absolutely nothing for the global sports fraternity.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has rules and regulations which must at all times be adhered to and whenever they are broken and there is evident of cheating, one has to face the consequences.
There are some controversial cases pending and it’s only a matter of time before judgement is given. One such case involves the controversial female Greek sprinter who is to receive the gold medal which was returned by Marion Jones.
The IOC advocates sportsmanship and drug-free sports. C Martina indeed was at fault when he ran on the line, and it was very evident from the replays.
The Olympic books have already been written and unless the IOC sanctions a case, it’s only then that adjustments will be made. I am very confident that the IOC will never acknowledge Crawford’s personal decision, for it would also have to make adjustments to its books for the male Brazilian marathon athlete at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games who was attacked during the final stages of the race which he was also favoured to win, by a British national of unsound mind, and had to settle for either second or third place.
Crawford knew what had transpired after the replays of the race and by going public with his decision before the award ceremony, the IOC might have acted in his favour, but he simply chose the wrong time because he would already have enjoyed the moment of glory on the podium when his country’s flag was hoisted among the other two flags.
Yours faithfully,
T Pemberton
