By MICHELLE WILLSON
Editorial Editor
With the Olympics coming to a close, the United States ended up getting the floor with 23 medals total. I feel that the Olympics brings the countries together in a healthy competition. However, with well-known festivities like the Olympics they often come with baggage. Controversy and scandals are often some of the most talked about content of the games.
Even after the Russian doping scandal, some Russians were allowed to participate in the 2018 winter Olympics but they had to go under the name “Olympic Athletes from Russia” and if they received a medal, the Olympic flag would be raised and the Olympic song would be played. I am glad they did it like this. The athletes allowed were cleared before playing and an official from Pyeongchang organizing committee said Japan’s omission was a “simple mistake” caused by changes in image files when organizers updated the Olympic website in February. Should not have to suffer because of the other athletes actions.
There was also a controversy with Japan being left off the “Dream Program” map. The Japan Times stated, “An official from Pyeongchang organizing committee said Japan’s omission was a “simple mistake” caused by changes in image files when organizers updated the Olympic website in February.”
An NBC analyst Joshua Ramo was fired one day after making a controversial comment about Korea and Japan’s relationship. Ramo said “Every Korean will tell you that Japan is a cultural, technological and economic example that has been so important to their own transformation,” The comment seemed to backlash almost immediately, NBC has since apologized for the comment/
High winds also brought challenge for athletes. Not only was it hard to land their jumps but It is also a danger to them. The wind was not just a danger to the athletes but to spectators and workers as well. The New York Times wrote, “The Olympic park in Gangneung was evacuated on Wednesday because tents and signs were blowing everywhere.”
One of the many faces of the Olympics this year was Adam Rippon. He, along with his team, took bronze in the men’s team figure skate at the Olympics. I just want to get one thing straight; Adam Rippon is an amazing Olympic Figure skater that happens to be Gay. He is not a Gay Figure Skater that happens to be amazing. What I am saying is, yes, its cool that he is the first openly gay Olympian but the Olympics should be focused on the skill he has, not his sexual orientation. His amazing skill should be talked about more than anything else is.
We all know the scandal from the last summer Olympics but these winter games made me feel embarrassed for another reason. The first medal was won by Red Gerard a 17 year old in men’s slopestyle. I sat on my couch thinking, “I am a 19 year old and what do I have to show for it?” I am nowhere close to making it to the Olympics let alone winning. I know there was some controversy over a curse word he said on camera but he is 17 and won an Olympic gold! Therefore, I think we should all give him a little bit of a break.
Even with the scandals and controversies, I feel like the Olympic Games are an important part of worldly culture. It brings countries together, even if it is just for 2 weeks.