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Onetime 'pride of China' suiting up for Canada

DAWN WALTON

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 6:01 AM EDT 05/07/08

Twenty-four years since Jujie Luan won gold for China, the epic journey of the grand dame of fencing comes full circle in Beijing ...Read the full article

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  1. True North from Canada writes: What an inspiring story! We shall be watching you fence - good luck!
  2. John Deriso from Edmonton, Canada writes: I love it when reality plays out like one of those terrible sports movies.

    Good luck in China!
  3. Western Observer from Canada writes: Good luck, and here's to keeping to dreams no matter what lies in the way.
  4. hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: to wish canada lose in this Olympic
  5. Robin Hannah from Canada writes: As the Olympics approach, that's a strange face - I've never heard of her. How come she's Canada's entry, and I've never heard of her?

    How come we Canadians like it that way? Humble strangers, who come out of the blue. Oil companies get tax breaks, but our gifted athletes get nothing - we're lucky if we get to know their names. And our poets get less than that.
  6. gao gao from Canada writes: Great story. Good Luck to Ms. Luan in the Beijing Olympics. As a Chinese, I am proud of her. As a Canadian, I am proud of her too.

    Our gov't is rather short sighted for not investing in our athletics. Only the N. Americans (US and Canada) don't care much about the Olympics. People from Europe and Asia like to watch the Olympics. Winning the medals promotes Canada better than spending $14 million to build an useless house in China to promote tourism.
  7. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: 'gao gao from Canada writes: Great story. Good Luck to Ms. Luan in the Beijing Olympics. As a Chinese, I am proud of her. As a Canadian, I am proud of her too. Our gov't is rather short sighted for not investing in our athletics. Only the N. Americans (US and Canada) don't care much about the Olympics.'
    _________

    the US tops the medals in the summer olympics almost every olympiad. canada is in the top three at the winter olympics. how can you say north americans dont care about the olympics?

    'hossein hajiagha from Victoria, Canada writes: to wish canada lose in this Olympic'
    _________

    to wish hossein hajiagha disappears from canada.
  8. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: btw, even though most of our olympic success comes in the winter games, canada does well in some summer sports - rowing, swimming, diving, athletics.... there are simply too many sports for all of them to receive adequate funding. we spend the money where we have a better chance of success. if you're a fencer, a ski jumper, or a ping pong player in canada hoping to make the olympics, you know the training funds will have to come out of your own pocket up front.... thats just the way it is.
  9. MKK Flatron from Canada writes: The story is a great one, but is also demonstrative of how the athletes on this side of the world have gotten bad at fencing, and probably in other sports as well. If you are 50 years old but still can make it to the national team, then well....

    In the middle of the article it is mentioned that she kept losing in Asian competitions but her performance improved drastically once she got to the competitions in the Americas. A telling indication of the deteriorating performace of our athletes relative to the Asian ones. I am no sports fan, nor do I wish the Canadians to be so petty as to take pride in how many of those shiny gold medals we win at the Olympics. But when we get too bad, I certainly am not going to be happy.

    Anyways, I wish her luck. For Canada eh?
  10. Canadian Pom from United Kingdom writes: Robin Hannah - do you ever see the faces of fencers? Masks aside, it's not generally a sport that gets a lot of attention in North America, which is a shame IMO.

    Wanted to mention one thing about the article, which calls left-handed fencers rare. They're certainly less common (just as in the population in general), but they do tend to show up more in the higher rankings.
  11. Ching-yen Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: To G&M - Can you post how to donate to her campaign?
  12. Lauren H from Munich, Germany, Canada writes: Not sure where you can send your donations, but you can email her club in Edmonton to ask.

    edmontonfencingclub@yahoo.ca
  13. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: I think it's relatively much less crazy for a 50 year old fencer to be competing with younger fencers than it would be in many sports. The relative importance of skill (timing, coordination, strategy, correct movement, stealth, logic) over strength is pretty high, and her experience would count for a lot. I don't think younger people have the really extreme advantage they do in many sports. But it's also very true that the fencing pool is quite small in Canada, and there are fewer women than men, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's part of the reason she's going.
  14. Tim Cares from Canada writes: Old enough to be a grandmother to some olympians? Only if she and her child had kids in their teens. And said olympian was in their teens.
    I suppose it's possible though.
  15. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: An inspiring story. We look forward to your contribution to your adopted land.
  16. Roy Anderson from Canada writes: I mean no disrespect but, it has to be said. If a 50 year old is worthy of a place on Canada's team, then it must be a sadly deficient team of fencers. I have no doubt that the lady is eminently qualified, but she can't possibly compete with people under (say) 35 who are highly able in the Sport. It will indeed be of interest as to where the lady finishes - or ranks - in the final analysis.

    Another point arises in this matter - which has nothing personal intended whatsoever. Isn't it demeaning to the - already sadly tarnished - reputation of the Olympic Organisation, that people are free to compete for any country they happen to be living in at the time? It is faintly ridiculous to have people immigrate into Canada and, before you know it, they are able to represent this country at Sports. Being accepted as immigrants into a full Canadian society is one thing - and worthy indeed - but to represent the country is another thing entirely. Canadian born athletes should be used - surely?
  17. Jay Sherman from Ottawa, Canada writes: Roy Anderson, what exactly does being Canadian mean anymore? My neighborhood is at least 50% Chinese. Seems like she represents my neighborhood pretty well. Canada is just a hodgepodge of different cultures who happen to live near each other. Meaningless.
  18. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: Roy Anderson from Canada writes: It is faintly ridiculous to have people immigrate into Canada and, before you know it, they are able to represent this country at Sports. Being accepted as immigrants into a full Canadian society is one thing - and worthy indeed - but to represent the country is another thing entirely. Canadian born athletes should be used - surely?

    I suggest that only native people should be allowed. If a person's ancestry is European (like 'Anderson'), then that person should go back to where their ancestors came from and represent that country.
  19. Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: Roy Anderson: You say 'she can't possibly compete with people under (say) 35.' The story says that she ranks 44th in the world. Have you informed the international fencing association that their ranking system must be flawed, or that fencers are generally too old?

    She has been a Canadian citizen since 1994. She is as worthy a representative of this country as is any other citizen.
  20. M. D. from Canada writes: I knew someone would bring up the fact that she was not born in Canada. She is a Canadian citizen - what other qualifications would you require to compete for Canada? You should be proud that someone with such dedication and endurance chooses to defend the colors of your country.
  21. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Being accepted as immigrants into a full Canadian society is one thing - and worthy indeed - but to represent the country is another thing entirely. Canadian born athletes should be used - surely? ' I would disagree quite strongly. If we are not willing to accept immigrants as full and equal citizens, don't grant them citizenship, or wait longer to do so until we are willing to grant them 'real' citizenship. A citizen is a citizen is a citizen and there is no such thing as 'more Canadian', otherwise the whole concept of citizenship becomes meaningless.
  22. James Birchall from Carstairs, Canada writes: Jujie is as fantastic fencer. She's been training pretty much every day for 35 years and I can attest from personal experience that she's crazy crafty on the piste.

    With that much practice, you'd think you'd get kinda good after a while, don't you?

    Though you could just ask 'Captain Canada', Ian Miller who's going at 61.
  23. emilio D from Canada writes: This is a case of skill versus age; between a teacher and a student, Mark Messier and the Canucks. In boxing, we see the older boxer faced undignified defeat. A younger fencer with a skill could easily change the outcome. But the ball is round and she could still give the gold and glory for herself and Canada. Good luck!
  24. W L from Canada writes: Despite the enormous odds against her, I hope she wins Gold for Canada.
  25. Bobby Culture from Canada writes: Roy Anderson from Canada writes: I mean no disrespect ...
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Roy, I mean no disrespect!!

    May I ask which part of Canada you are from?

    I hazard to guess not Toronto where I live!!!

    In my, considered middle class by many ... very culturally diverse ...40% Orientals, 30% Jewish, 15% Russians/East Europeans, Anglo-Saxon, maybe 10%, then the rest (all very nice neighbours). Over the years, many new immigrants came.

    Land value BTW, for a single detach about $750K average. My community MAY NOT wants you but it's a free country, you live wherever you want and can afford (a concept maybe you have difficulty understanding).

    Welcome to Canada and the real world.

    Signed: Bobby (in Canada since 1972 and I only play ping pong and golf).
  26. ian smith from vancouver, Canada writes: To those phonys complaining about only Canadian-born athletes should be eligible to go, I bet you cheered for Ben Johnson all the way. That is, up to before he was exposed for doping.
  27. Able Bodied Man from It's NOT 'VICTORIA' Island, Canada writes:
    Another PLUS for the CITY OF CHAMPIONS !!
  28. Bobby Culture from Canada writes: ian smith from vancouver, Canada writes: To those phonys ...
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ian, maybe you are too old to remember ...

    Yes, the vast majority of Canadians did indeed rotted for Johnson as I recall. Maybe you were the odd man out!!! What a patriot you are!!!
  29. sophia li from Cornwall, Canada writes: Jujie Luan, you were my hero, you are still my hero .

    For the love of sport, for the dream of Olympic game, you are still the star at your 50 years old!

    Age and time do not change a brave heart, do not change who you are.

    You go girl!!

    Cheers!!
  30. Darryl Youzefowich from Edmonton, Alberta, writes: Jujie was my teacher when I was a recreational fencer in Edmonton many years ago. She is as tough as nails as the story suggests, and a lot of Canadians born to easy circumstances could learn huge lessons from her work habits. The reason she is where she is is because of a super strong will, tons of hard practice, excellent skill and really clever 'guile'. I have limited experience at fencing, but even I can recognize a champion - she added to my life in immense ways. Canada is lucky to have her - who else can say that they have been trained in warrior ways by an Olympic gold medal winner too? When Jujie was younger, she took me under her wing for a very brief time, even though I was no one to most sports people - just an overweight old sport fencer! I had no hope of ever doing anything in any sport. But she was very good to me and I will never forget it! Those people writing negative things on these posts can just jump in the North Saskatchewan River as far as I am concerned...Go Jujie!
  31. Iain's Opinion from BC, Canada writes: DUH!
    Age doesn't matter, she is good enough to make the team, therefore she has the necessary skill.
    But the Chinese Gov't says that you cannot relinquish Chinese citizenship and all people of Chinese descent are chinese citizens, so will they gov't let her and/or other chinese ancestry athletes leave?
  32. ian smith from vancouver, Canada writes: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ian, maybe you are too old to remember ...

    Yes, the vast majority of Canadians did indeed rotted for Johnson as I recall. Maybe you were the odd man out!!! What a patriot you are!!!
    _________________

    It was early when I wrote that comment and now realised I phrased it erroneously.

    I was actually teasing those people who wanted 'Canadian-born' for everything. At my grand old age, I still remember many of them cheering for Ben as one of their own. Then threw him away like a dirty towel when he's fined for doping, calling him Jamaican.

    Thanks for point it out. I'll be sure to triple-check my writing before hitting the darn SEND button.
  33. Old Edmonton Man from Edmonton, Canada writes: Don't forget, sport is without border. If we put too much weight on the 'country' part, it is easy to put 'politics' into sports. Sport is a one-on-one encounter (or may be a four-on-four on a relay?)
    Three cheers to this young lady !!!!
  34. Chris E. from Canada writes: Canada, a province of greater China.
  35. Dave Scott from Ottawa, Canada writes: The most interesting aspect for me not mentioned is that China disallows dual citizenship, and there is no path back to Chinese citizenship for her. Although you can read between the lines that is what she wants.

    I'd prefer to see a Canadian born compete and not win. Olympics in China is a political stunt, I won't be watching.
  36. Peter C from Vancouver, Canada writes: Imagine if Jujie Luan chose to compete for China despite her Canadian citizenship.
    Those that are complaining that she should not be able to compete for Canada because she was not born here, would be complaining about about her lack of loyalty to Canada and wether should be able to keep her citizenship.
  37. Bobby Culture from Canada writes: Iain's Opinion from BC, Canada writes: ' ... will they gov't let her and/or other chinese ancestry athletes leave?'
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Iain, that's not how the Chinese do things ...

    (1) Chinese are brought up with the motto ... 'If you can prove to the outside world that you are good, you are a hero in the eyes of all Chinese, regardless of where you are'.

    (2) I suspect China will give her more than a warm welcome ... treat her like a VIP if and when time affords and as appropriate. Due and sensible consideration/respect will be up front to recognize she is a citizen of Canada and a member of the Canadian Olympic Team (which is an honour).

    (3) China, for many years now, like how other smart business persons around the world operate, knows that you can never attract talent by locking people up. Achievements are recognized and rewarded. Best example to-date would be Yau Ming, a Chinese making $$$$ (I mean $$$$$$$$) outside China. China will NOT have talent go to waste. In business, you never know, maybe one day some of those talents might help China out!! No short sighted strategies tolerated. After all, one thing on China's side is time.

    (4) If for whatever unthinkable reason which I cannot dream of at this stage that Jujie Luan decides to reallocate to China, it will be at her (and her family's) own wish. I suspect that scenario will be so remote and will only materialize if much much more than monetary rewards are offered by China. In her position, money is not everything.

    (5) Absolutely no need for a private jet put on stand-by.

    GO JULIE GO!!!! You make me proud to be a Canadian Chinese (or vice versa).
  38. Chris E. from Canada writes: When the Chinese national team marches out in the opening ceremonies, how many Westerners will be on it? How many Africans? I would venture there will be none. It will be homogeneously, proudly, ethnic Chinese.

    The Olympics are becoming irrelevant when athletes don't represent a regional, ethnic group of people. When citizenship in the West is treated so lightly, when our citizenship is treated as a flag of convenience and easily given away, the Olympics has no more meaning than a group of gladiators competing for awards.
  39. Bobby Culture from Canada writes: Chris E. from Canada writes: Canada, a province of greater China.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    As usual, Chris, GET LOST.
  40. Fred Smith from Canada writes: Wonder if i can immigrate to China become a Chinese citizen then join the Chinese national hockey team and come back to Vancouver to compete in the Vanouver Olympics in 2010 .. Can i do this as a white Canadian or do i have to be a Chinese Canadian ?
  41. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: Did those whiners ever complain when our foreign born athletes helped bringing home the gold: Donovan Bailey (Jamaica), Lennox Lewis (England), Daniel Igali (Nigeria), Bruny Surin (Haiti) etc.
  42. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Whatever Fred. Chinese Canadians are probably more Canadian than you are. We built your freakin railroad.
  43. S L from Canada writes: Fred Smith from Canada writes: Wonder if i can immigrate to China become a Chinese citizen then join the Chinese national hockey team and come back to Vancouver to compete in the Vanouver Olympics in 2010 .. Can i do this as a white Canadian or do i have to be a Chinese Canadian ?

    Well, Mr. Smith, first, you have to be good. Just because you are Canadian does npt mean that you are good in (ice) hockey. Two, can you and are you willing to stand the strenuous training schedule without the comfort you are accustomed to, assuming that you have the toughness of ... Dave Semenko?
  44. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Chris E. from Canada writes: When the Chinese national team marches out in the opening ceremonies, how many Westerners will be on it? How many Africans? I would venture there will be none. It will be homogeneously, proudly, ethnic Chinese.
    ============>
    You should not see it because there is no benefit for the atheletic being in the Chinese team. You will see this a lot in the US team beacuse they will get a lot of endorsement from Niker, Coke, ...... Acutally, Ms. Luan is a Canadian for a long time. She is not just getting the citizen because of the Olympic.
  45. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Fred Smith from Canada writes: Wonder if i can immigrate to China become a Chinese citizen then join the Chinese national hockey team and come back to Vancouver to compete in the Vanouver Olympics in 2010 .. Can i do this as a white Canadian or do i have to be a Chinese Canadian ?
    ===========>
    You are lucky that you are a male. Do you remeber what Chinese lady's hockey team did in last olympic? Otherwise, it is no point for you to do it.
  46. S L from Canada writes: Chris E... Chinese are far from homogeneous. It is made up of eight major tribes, plus many other minority indigenous tribes, not unlike what we have here in Canada now.
  47. David C from Canada writes:
    Getting back to the article...

    It didn't surprise me to read that Jujie had to go to Quebec to be accepted onto the Olympic team. From what I understand, fencers from Western Canada have been denied spots because they didn't have a coach from Quebec, despite their ranking.

    I guess politics lives large in every sport.
  48. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Chris, I'm sure you can go play baseball for whatever white country you came from. The Italian baseball team was made up of 85% American Italians.
    I'm not going to argue about the contributions of Chinese labour to the railways. The history is there if you're interested in learning about it -- while the Scots and English may have done a lot of planning and overseeing, the Chinese did more than their fair share of the dying. And were rewarded with the Chinese exclusion act when their efforts were no longer needed.
  49. Roland 2008 from Canada writes: What an inspired story! I Knew it's only for her age, but also the hardness to get the nomination. She won! Cheers.
  50. gao gao from Canada writes: The Chinese exclusion act was a necessary and justified legislation. The government was, and still is, the caretaker of this land, and the exclusion act rationalized a finite resource and governed the creation of this country along Western ethnic lines.

    ============
    I'd like to welcome you to the real world, but you obviously like to crawl under a rock. So I'll leave you alone.
  51. Chris E. from Canada writes: gao gao, the issue of a Chinese representing a Western country at the Olympics should be discussed in all its many facets.

    Don't deny us your insights, even if it's to present us with your version of the 'real world'.
  52. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: What makes Canada a 'Western' country? The land belonged to the natives (who could probably have enacted a 'White people exclusion act' -- but even if they did, it was ignored). What ensued was immigration from every nation -- whites from England and France, loyalists from the USA, blacks through the underground railroad and the West Indies, Japanese and Chinese on the West Coast, all of whom made crucial contributions to Canada.

    Canada is not a 'white' nation in the sense that Sweden might be, but essentially a nation of immigrants. Having white athletes representing Sweden may make some sense, but it's hard for you to argue that you're part of a Canadian 'race'.
  53. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: In the world of soccer once you've played on the national team for a country you are not eligible to compete for another national team regardless of your change of citizenship. A very sensible rule to avoid mercernaries for hire. Not that it is the case here.
  54. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Do you feel threatened, Chris? Would you work for a Chinese-Canadian boss? What would you do if, gasp your son or daughter married a Chinese-Canadian?

    Man, you might have to learn to speak Chinese!
  55. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Do you feel threatened, Chris? Would you work for a Chinese-Canadian boss? What would you do if, gasp your son or daughter married a Chinese-Canadian?

    Man, you might have to learn to speak Chinese!
    =======>
    When you read Chris's comments on Food crsis, you will understand more about him. He is not really anti-chinese but is a white-superior mind person.
  56. Rose Wong from Canada writes: Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter H. 19:

    'Every person has the right to equal treatment with respect ..... without discrimination because of race, anecestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offices .....'

    Stop your discriminative comments!
  57. Kevka Y. from London, Canada writes: Dave Scott from Ottawa, Canada writes: I'd prefer to see a Canadian born compete and not win. ----------- Don't worry, you'll be seeing that too. If Athens was any indication, the biggest contenders for gold are Chinese and 'American'. Canada is a great country for sure and does well enough, but with only 33 million people, realistically it does not have the talent reserves necessary to break into the very top. Canada currently has some Chinese coaches helping to prepare its volleyball and gymnastics teams and if this lady from China wants to help bring recognition to Canada in Beijing, then we should all be supportive and wish her the best of luck.
  58. Rose Wong from Canada writes: You mean that you are one of those dissents of the Great Britain or Spain or France who barbarically robbed North America from the Native Indians, who are 'brown' and claimed this your land? And now you are graciously allowing people from countries other than the robbers themselves to enter into this 'white western country'?

    Yeah right!
  59. lynn R from Canada writes: Chris E: it is interesting to see that the head of the family of white Western countries -- USA is going to have a black president soon. LOL! I guess you must find it ver offensive? pitty. GO OBAMA!!! GO Luan, Ju Jie!

    =================================================
    Chris E. from Canada writes: Sorry, T from Toronto, but Canada is part of the family of white Western countries in every sense.
  60. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: sorry chris, you seem to be the only one here who feels the chill.
  61. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: where is this aggression thing coming from anyways? You're the one who defended the Chinese Exclusion Act as good government policy.
  62. Rose Wong from Canada writes: Chris E. from Canada writes: Rose Wong, thank you for telling white Canadians what you really think of us.
    --------------
    Canada is a multicultural country with Canadians of many different ethnic group. It's NOT largely represented by people from Spain, England nor France. YOU definitively do not represent the majority of so called 'White Canadians'. Thank God!!!!
  63. lynn R from Canada writes: Chris E is just a no-brainer. Which countries ever had colonies everywhere around the globe? they are 'the family of white countries'. Did they take other nations' lands peacefully? What a joke??? Chris E really should get off from his moral high horse. Hypocrite! Aggression? hahaha, without that, they would still live in Europe only.

    ==========================
    Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: where is this aggression thing coming from anyways? You're the one who defended the Chinese Exclusion Act as good government policy.
  64. Rose Wong from Canada writes: Chris E. from Canada writes: The food crisis is a Third World crisis, and they're on their own.

    Western countries are slowing their population growth, and will follow that up with reduced consumption (as energy prices rise). We have more than enough food and energy for our needs, to eat and stay warm.

    The Third World can't expect us to shoulder the burden they made, by having too many children. Nature will balance its books, and we have to resist the urge to see this as a 'global' problem that includes us.
    -------------------
    Having read your comments regarding China and Tibet. You showed your concern regarding human rights and well being of Chinese and Tibetan profusely. I thought you cared so much about the world and your fellow man. This comment really took me by surprise! Hypocrisy???
  65. Bobby Culture from Canada writes: Everyone, what's going on here?

    Where are all of the 'bad' comments made by this Chris E.?

    I can't see them.

    Maybe I should get a computer actually made in China or are my eyes going?
  66. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: they were probably too bigoted to pass muster from the moderator
  67. lynn R from Canada writes: I am surprised!

    shoulder the burden of the third world? LOL. Chris E: FYI, If TTW can expect anything from 'the family of white countries' , then please don't export inflation and economy crisis caused by sub-prime crap. IT IS THE USA that MADE THE WORLD ECONOMY IN CRISIS!

    ==========================================
    The Third World can't expect us to shoulder the burden they made, by having too many children.
  68. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: To everyone, sorry to bring up the food crsis issue. I think that we should enjoy the success story of a hard working lady.

    Bobby Culture from Canada writes: you may just miss the made-in-china frame eye glass. (just for a laugh).
  69. D Chiu from Victoria, Canada writes: I wish Ms. Luan well on her Olympic competition. Now that i have read her story, I surely will watch out for fencing competition during the Olympics.

    I would also like to see many fewer personal attacks between posters.
  70. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Essentially he denigrated the efforts of Chinese Canadians in the building of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and argued that it did not entitle Chinese Canadians to citizenship in this country by defending the Chinese exclusion act.

    Now attempts to take the moral high ground by acting aghast at the 'Oriental aggression' he has provoked.
  71. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: no one's advocating censorship. I would prefer that your comments were left up there -- they speak for themselves and humiliate you much more than our outrage or censorship can.
  72. Fred Smith from Canada writes: Rose Wong , if you believe white people robbed the native indians of Canada of there land then why did you immigrate here ? Isn't that the same as buying stolen property or a stolen car ? dosen't that make you as bad as the person stealing ? You live with the robbers because it's a good life then condem them for robbery .. Did you or any Chinese ever help a native Canadian ? Ever live on a reserve ?

    Maybe you should have immigrated to New Guinea and lived with the tribal people, tribal culture is a little better now that some whites got them to stop the head hunting and daily warfare ..
  73. Boom town from Canada writes: If someone were to immigrate to Canada today, and made the Olympic team, MORE POWER TO THEM. It just shows their love for Canada.
  74. Boom town from Canada writes: Moderators, please delete racist posts. Thanks.
  75. Boom town from Canada writes: Alot of times, these racists are simply one or two guys on a board who change their names constantly.
  76. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Fred, no one here is condemning white people for mistreating the First Nations of Canada. We are just pointing out that it's an absolute fallacy to say that Chinese Canadian athletes should not represent Canada because they are not "Canadian" enough, or don't belong to some "Canadian race".

    Unless we want our Olympic team to comprise of only native Canadians, all of us immigrated from somewhere or had ancestors who did. Many Chinese Canadians can trace their roots in Canada a lot longer than "white" Canadians.
  77. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: An excellent story. Best of luck to Jujie Luan. That would be quite an accomplishment...to win Olympic medals for two different nations. Let's hope for a podium finish and our Canadian anthem being played.
  78. Rose Wong from Canada writes: Fred Smith from Canada writes: Rose Wong , if you believe white people robbed the native indians of Canada of there land then why did you immigrate here ? Isn't that the same as buying stolen property or a stolen car ? dosen't that make you as bad as the person stealing ? You live with the robbers because it's a good life then condem them for robbery .. Did you or any Chinese ever help a native Canadian ? Ever live on a reserve ?
    ----------
    It's my parents who decided to immigrate to Canada, not me. I grew up here and learned in school about history of Canada. No, I do not consider of immigrating to any other country. I am a Canadian and have the right to stay. Don't you tell me where to go!

    So I would make this statement a thousand more times if I ever see any biggots bragging about Canada being a "White Western Country" or make racist comments about a certain group of people, just like you.

    If you can't accept the fact that Canada has become a multicultural country and all Canadians with different ethnic background should be treated equally, you should be the one to find your own roots and move back to where you came from.
  79. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: "Fred Smith from Canada writes: Rose Wong , if you believe white people robbed the native indians of Canada of there land then why did you immigrate here ? Isn't that the same as buying stolen property or a stolen car ? dosen't that make you as bad as the person stealing ? You live with the robbers because it's a good life then condem them for robbery .. Did you or any Chinese ever help a native Canadian ?"
    __________

    almost every china story on the globe and mail descends into how european settlers stole the land from natives in canada. it seems to be a way of furthering an argument by some on here. meanwhile those same people are typing comfortably from their apartment built on that "stolen" land in toronto or vancouver.
  80. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: btw, what i wrote above is merely a statement of fact. there's no opinion in there.
  81. Fred Smith from Canada writes: Rose Wong , Canada is a ''white western country'' thats a fact and thats what makes it great .. Your just as much a Canadian as i am But calling Europeans who built this great country robbers is Racist ..

    No country in Asia would allow a white person to immigrate and become a citizen then compete for them in the Olympic games ..

    But Canada will and does let anyone become a Canadian citizen and move to any level of society ..Thats what makes it great and the people who make that happen are mostly still white ..
  82. D Fernandes from Toronto, Canada writes: Great to read this story, both for her and for fencing (I fence recreationally, nowhere near this level!).

    For those posters dismissive of her skill, note that to qualify she needed to do well in INTERNATIONAL competitions -- the ones she went to in North and South America would have had high-level fencers from around the world. She's earned her spot, one has to meet high standards of placing well in other competitions.

    On another note, it's sad to see she was forced to train in Quebec -- I've heard this from other fencers in the past, that the Canadian Fencing Federation tells them to go to Quebec to train or forget about representing Canada. Quebec's great, but policies like this don't recognize that not all athletes are single people who can relocate at will. People have families and jobs. I'm sure this is true of other sports as well, dictatorial amateur athletic federations that discourage athletes with potential to represent Canada, by forcing them to give up their lives to even have the chance to compete.
  83. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: Fred Smith from Canada writes: Did you or any Chinese ever help a native Canadian ? Ever live on a reserve ?

    --------------

    I'm not sure you should be lecturing anyone for making racist comments
  84. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: James C from Shenzhen, China writes: almost every china story on the globe and mail descends into how european settlers stole the land from natives in canada. it seems to be a way of furthering an argument by some on here. meanwhile those same people are typing comfortably from their apartment built on that "stolen" land in toronto or vancouver.

    -------------------------

    In this case it seems to be a legitimate reaction to a poster (whose views have since been deleted by the moderator) who suggested that the Chinese who built Canada's railways were cheap labour whose contributions to this country did not entitle them to Canadian citizenship. He then suggested that the Canadian Olympic team should only be comprised of whites to reflect Canada's glorious white and western heritage. Yes he was trolling about looking to provoke a strong response, and that he did. Perhaps accusations of robbery and stealing land may not the most tactful response, but it does explain why Canadians of European descent do not have any higher moral or historical ground to be exclusively represented on Canada's olympic teams.
  85. Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: And Fred, what makes Canada great isn't the fact that white Canadians "let" us Chinese into your great country out of the goodness of your white hearts to share so many of your hard-won privileges with us.

    No, what makes Canada great is because we minorities fight tooth and nail to make it great, because we have a greater sense of what it means to be Canadian and to succeed -- in spite of obstacles such as the bigoted views you have expressed.
  86. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Uh Roy Anderson, do you think we should have two classes of citizens? The born here kind and the immigrated kind?

    She is a Canadian citizen, thus she is a Canadian. Period. If she qualified she has every right to compete on the Canadian team, we should be proud of her.

    Anyway, I've always loved the question of who is "more Canadian", the immigrant who has lived here for 50 years, or the 30 year old who was born here? Personally, I may lean towards the 50 year old.
  87. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Chris E. from Canada writes: gao gao, the issue of a Chinese representing a Western country at the Olympics should be discussed in all its many facets.

    -----------------

    What is there to discuss? She's not "a Chinese representing a Western country", she's a Canadian representing Canada. If you are characterizing her based on her race and not her citizenship, then what do we do with her children who may have been born in Canada? Are they also not allowed on the team, becuase they look Chinese? What about her children children, 3rd generation Canadians? What about everyone in Canada who can trace their roots back to Europe, should they also not be allowed to compete?

    You people complicate this very simple issue with your bigotry. It's very simple. She's a Canadian citizen, thus, she should compete for the Canadian team. Period. End of story.

    I'm really very disappointed that this story has degenerated into a big thread on race and politics, instead of on what an inspirational person she is. Sad.
  88. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: "Mr T from Toronto, Canada writes: No, what makes Canada great is because we minorities fight tooth and nail to make it great, because we have a greater sense of what it means to be Canadian and to succeed -- in spite of obstacles such as the bigoted views you have expressed."
    _____

    this point is debatable at the moment. the seemingly growing number of people who come to canada to live and become citizens before heading right back to where they originally came from seems to call into question how canadian they really feel.

    just for some background info so you know what i'm talking about, i immigrated to canada as well. i grew up there, went to school there, served in the army there, and paid my taxes there. a number of our current immigrants dont seem to show the same devotion to the country. therefore, hard feelings are developing between different groups. and rightfully so.
  89. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: James C, I think the solution to the problem is just extend the amount of time people need to live in Canada to be given a Canadian citizenship. I don't know if you are fully "Canadianified" living here for only 3 years, but if they had to live, say, 5-6 years, then it would seem they have planted many roots here and would call here home, even if they ventured abroad after that. It would also solve the passport of convenience problem.
  90. Jo Ingblat from Canada writes: James C says "just for some background info so you know what i'm talking about, i immigrated to canada as well. i grew up there, went to school there, served in the army there, and paid my taxes there. a number of our current immigrants dont seem to show the same devotion to the country. therefore, hard feelings are developing between different groups. and rightfully so."

    And now you're living abroad. So by your standards, do you have any right to comment on this story at all? Me thinks there's some hypocripsy there.
  91. Fred Smith from Canada writes: Mr T , what is your greater sense to be Canadian and to succeed ?

    Having lived in Asia i can tell you Asians are far more racist than Canadians .. Try being Chinese and living in Japan ..They don't even have any laws against the "No Chinese " sign on some shops and bars in Japan and anyway Japanese don't care about things like that something to do with Asian values i was told ..
  92. MKK Flatron from Canada writes: To Chris E

    You know what? Your logic of "An ethnic China-woman representing Canada is a big no-no" would make non-Canadians of us all except for the First Nations. If you pack up and leave for whichever place that your ancestors have originated from, then I am sure your argument would be much strengthened.
  93. B Ford from Edmonton, Canada writes: wow, alleged racism rears its ugly head here too.

    few worried that Daniel Ingali (?), formerly of Nigeria, won a gold in wrestling for us and then kissed our flag. he chose this country, just as you or your ancestors (or ancient ancestors in the case of aboriginal Canadians).

    This lady has contributed to our country. She qualified to represent us. That's good enough for me. Oh, she also helped teach fencing to my very amateur sister, and she likely would to you too if you took the class.

    So go for it!
  94. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: "Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: James C, I think the solution to the problem is just extend the amount of time people need to live in Canada to be given a Canadian citizenship....have planted many roots here and would call here home, even if they ventured abroad after that. It would also solve the passport of convenience problem.
    ____

    that may be one solution jimmy.

    "Jo Ingblat from Canada writes: And now you're living abroad. So by your standards, do you have any right to comment on this story at all? Me thinks there's some hypocripsy there."
    ____

    i've spent 90% of my life in canada, served in the army (including time overseas), and in fact, still pay taxes in canada even though i live abroad right now. i think i can say i'm "canadian." now you can STFU.
  95. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: "Fred Smith from Canada writes: Having lived in Asia i can tell you Asians are far more racist than Canadians .. Try being Chinese and living in Japan ..They don't even have any laws against the "No Chinese " sign on some shops"
    _________

    "B Ford from Edmonton, Canada writes: wow, alleged racism rears its ugly head here too. "
    _________

    i've seen places in japan that simply dont allow foreigners, period. japanese only. there's an american born fellow who has japanese citizenship and lives there and even he still gets barred from some places because he doesnt look japanese. do a google search for "debito" to find out his story.

    here in china, blacks/africans get a hard time very often. i worked with a fellow from kenya a couple of years ago and he and his family were treated very poorly by the locals. not an isolated story either. few places can pretend to be innocent when it comes to treating people badly based on how they look or where they come from.
  96. Randal Oulton from Toronto, Canada writes: hey we should have a Shawinigan Handshake team :}
  97. The Iconoclast from Canada writes:
    James C from Shenzhen, China writes:
    here in china, blacks/africans get a hard time very often. i worked with a fellow from kenya a couple of years ago and he and his family were treated very poorly by the locals. not an isolated story either. few places can pretend to be innocent when it comes to treating people badly based on how they look or where they come from.

    here in Canada, native people/non-white immigrants get a hard time very often. few places can pretend to be innocent when it comes to treating people badly based on how they look or where they come from. Just look at this lady from China trying to represent Canada in the Olympics, not an isolated story either.

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