Phil Hersh`s article (Aug. 5) regarding American sportsmanship in the Summer Olympics is right on target. Carl Lewis went into a premature celebration during the long jump after winning the gold medal, even before other countries` runners had finished. Waving the American flag and running around the track during a race honors neither the athlete nor his country.
The media must take some of the blame for this type of outlandish behavior. One headline in the Sports section that cried ”Women`s (basketball) loss `indescribable` ” is just one example of media pressure on American athletes. Medal standings are printed. It is as though the average spectator is only interested in beating out other countries rather than seeing some of the world`s finest athletes in action. Any athlete should be honored by just making it to the Olympics and should not be made ashamed when they do not get a medal.
The incident of the British runner whose Olympic dreams ended with a pulled hamstring captures what should be the true Olympic spirit. Determined to finish the race, he staggered to the finish line, accompanied by his father who had come down from the stands to be with him.
