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Kayaker to carry flag in Beijing

JAMES CHRISTIE

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:52 AM EST 23/07/08

Adam van Koeverden chosen to lead Canadian delegation into stadium to open Olympics ...Read the full article

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  1. Ian Gunn from Minneapolis, United States writes: Best wishes to all the Canadian athletes participating in this years Olympic games. I'm looking forward to watching the games.
  2. Stude Ham from Canada writes:

    given china's record on the treatment of its people, this will be one of the most shameful displays of our national flag.

    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
  3. John Sokolowski from Ottawa, Canada writes: Good luck to all of the Canadian athletes.

    And please, no more talk of boycotting the games. Boycotts prove nothing and only hurt the athletes who have been working their butts off for years and years. Talk to Canadian Olympians who missed out on Moscow in 1980 and ask them what they think of boycotts.
  4. Gerry Pankhurst from Westport Ontario, Canada writes: Interesting: It is now 9:43 and the CBC TV news program has just said they will announce this decision some time after 10:00. We subsidize that outfit and they can't do better than that? Wow!
  5. Rusty Waters from Canada writes: A long as some guy or gal on a jumping horse didn't get to carry the flag. When are the horses going to get the medals instead of their riders?
  6. D McLennan from Canada writes: There are some Tibetans who will not agree with you.
  7. Jim Ray from GTA, Canada writes: Rusty, how long have you been waiting to get that off your chest? Too funny.
  8. Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: skenderbeg begger from Albania writes: [...]at least chinese are not trying to impose their views on others as above mentioned vultures do.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Huh!!!??? Ever heard of Tibet? DUH
  9. It Is What It Is.... from Canada writes: Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: Huh!!!??? Ever heard of Tibet? DUH
    ----------------------------------------------
    Along with Tibet, you could mention suppression of basic human rights to their own citizens, limited religious freedoms, mass executions daily, etc….
  10. Andrew Chong from Toronto, Canada writes: Only those who do not own any products made in China should call for the Olympic athletes to boycott. Let those who are without sin, etc. ...
  11. Peter Walker from Calgary, Canada writes: A good choice.
    I am not aware of the other names, BUT this guy did really well last Olympics, and perhaps this is the payoff. 4 Gold medals, and the flag (to take home) also.

    Goodluck to all who are going.
  12. Joe Palooka from Toronto, Canada writes: I am hoping for a disastrous Beijing Games - not for any country's athletes, but for the authoritarian regime that controls China. Anything to cause the thugs to lose face will be fine by me.
  13. gerhard beck from Canada writes: Congratulations Adam, as well as to the Oldershaw coaches. Lets hope that the air over the regatta waters is cleaner than the rest of the city.
  14. Alasdair Veitch from Canada writes: I think the selection of our flag-bearer is an excellent one - I like his approach to his sport and I like what he says about the role of athletes vis-a-vis global politics.

    The Olympics - stripped of all the other crap that surrounds them these days - is about the people that have worked so hard for years to get their day to compete against the best of their peers. They should be allowed that and we should respect and admire what they've done to get there.

    If the politicians wish to stay home to make a statement - they should do so. But please don't ask the athletes to do so.

    I'll be rooting for Adam and all the other athletes at the Games. I'll just cheer a whole lot harder for those with Canada on their chest!
  15. It Is What It Is.... from Canada writes: Alasdair Veitch from Canada writes: The Olympics - stripped of all the other crap that surrounds them these days - is about the people that have worked so hard for years to get their day to compete against the best of their peers. They should be allowed that and we should respect and admire what they've done to get there.
    ------------------------------------

    Thats not entirely true. There are some athletes who do cheat and some will get away with it at these Olympics.
  16. Vern McPherson from writes:
    pinkhurst that fella in the picture white enough fer ya ?
  17. Emmanuel Chan from Montreal, Canada writes: Great choice for the flag-bearer. Adam is definitely a great role model and an awesome ambassador for sport in Canada. His healthy attitude and approach are inspirations to others. Glad that the COC didn't fall into the trap of politcal correctness (e.g. he carried the flag at the closing ceremonies last time so we should give someone else a chance, etc.) in making the selection. Congrats, Adam!
  18. Alasdair Veitch from Canada writes: Of course I'm not admiring and respectful of the cheaters - who would be? - but I am of those that genuinely worked hard to have their day on the international stage to compete against the best in their sport. That's all. It's unfortunate indeed that doping and politics now overshadow the athletes.
  19. G. Veneta from Canada writes: BRAVO!! Brilliant choice! Bonne chance Adam and all of our great olympic athletes!
  20. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes:

    Rusty Waters from Canada writes:' A long as some guy or gal on a jumping horse didn't get to carry the flag. When are the horses going to get the medals instead of their riders?'

    I'm no horse guy, only rode one once... Still, since they are obviously intelligent animals, I've often wondered if one trained their horse right couldn't it just go through the course on its own? Kinda like those dogs that do obstacle courses. No one's riding their back.

    Anyway, this athlete sounds like a good choice to lead the rest into competition!
  21. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: He should go by all means but for his own good should bring along his own air supply.
  22. Hector 3339 from Canada writes: I think it's offensive and hypocritical to talk about boycotting China over human rights issues when Canada is about to embark with a free trade agreement with the paramilitary government of Colombia. Where's the morality in that? A free trade which by the way, will only screw the everyday non-power seated Colombian.
  23. Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: Hector 3339 from Canada writes: I think it's offensive and hypocritical to talk about boycotting China over human rights issues when Canada is about to embark with a free trade agreement with the paramilitary government of Colombia. Where's the morality in that? A free trade which by the way, will only screw the everyday non-power seated Colombian. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well Sparky, I speak out against human rights abuses WHEREVER they occur and that would INCLUDE CHINA. This ain't some kinda pi$$in' contest. We are talking about fundamental human rights EVERYWHERE (Canada , USA, Columbia, China.....etc..) Does that satisfy your smug, sanctimonious displeasure?
  24. Steve Just Steve from Canada writes: Hector 3339 from Canada writes: I think it's offensive and hypocritical to talk about boycotting China over human rights issues when Canada is about to embark with a free trade agreement with the paramilitary government of Colombia. Where's the morality in that? A free trade which by the way, will only screw the everyday non-power seated Colombian. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well Sparky, I speak out against human rights abuses WHEREVER they occur and that would INCLUDE CHINA. This ain't some kinda pi$$in' contest. We are talking about fundamental human rights EVERYWHERE (Canada , USA, Columbia, China.....etc..) Does that satisfy your smug, sanctimonious displeasure?
  25. Are We Having This Conversation Again from Toronto, Canada writes: Good luck athletes!
    Despite some comments of athletes who cheat and those who beat the system by doping up, please keep in mind that those athletes will get caught....eventually! Keep Marion Jones in mind, Tim Montgomery, and the Greek fellow who faked a motorcycle accident to avoid being tested.
    You will always have athletes that cheat, but let us support and encourage our athletes who do things by the book and who do respect the mantra of 'Fair Play'.
    For those Canadian athletes that have worked hard and made significant sacrifices to get to the Olympics, they deserve their shot at gold!
    *Can't wait to see the rowing events*
  26. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: 'Rusty Waters from Canada writes: A long as some guy or gal on a jumping horse didn't get to carry the flag. When are the horses going to get the medals instead of their riders? '

    THAT SHOWS you know nothing about that sport. Horses, considered the most intelligent animails, would be happy to explain it to you if you would just have the courage to try mounting one.
  27. Mike Witcher from montreal, Canada writes: Yvonne,
    I am flabbergasted that you admit to mounting horses. It isn't courageous, it's sick. Yet interesting.....
  28. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: Stude Ham from Canada writes:

    'given china's record on the treatment of its people, this will be one of the most shameful displays of our national flag.'

    It's not even in the same league as using 5 or 6 of them as props for idiotic Liberal scam announcements. Does 'idiotic' refer to the Liberal or the scam you ask? Both.
  29. Mothers Talk from Ottawa, Canada writes: I wouldnt be caught dead in that corrupt and brutal fascist country, I wont even watch it on TV. China can go hang!

    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
    BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008!
  30. L.B. MURRAY from !! from Canada writes: Congratulations to all the athletes who are going to the Olympics; each and every one of them spent years in training and making sacrifices.

    I was hoping that Ian Millar would be chosen to carry the flag and this time, I agree with Yvonne.... horses are very intelligent animals and also very sensitive... I've been following Ian at all kinds of horse shows and practice sessions for at least 30 or 35 years and he is a model to be followed... best rider I've ever seen.... so patient with his mounts, disciplined... Hope he does well in the Olympics.

    Cheers!

    -
  31. Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> Van Koeverden described his coach's 1980

    I have no idea what that sentence in the article means.
  32. Mothers Talk from Ottawa, Canada writes: John Sokolowski from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    And please, no more talk of boycotting the games. Boycotts prove nothing and only hurt the athletes who have been working their butts off for years and years. Talk to Canadian Olympians who missed out on Moscow in 1980 and ask them what they think of boycotts.

    What a joke, I have little sympathy and respect for a culture of elite athletes, of any country, the vast majority who cheat and use performance inhancing drugs. This vain proud display of physical endurance is nothing but a sham and comes at a obscene cost on many levels. Meanwhile innocent people are brutalized by a fascist state just so elite athletes can play corrupt elitist games for a few weeks. Thats the real crime.
  33. It Is What It Is.... from Canada writes: Hector 3339 from Canada writes: I think it's offensive and hypocritical to talk about boycotting China over human rights issues when Canada is about to embark with a free trade agreement with the paramilitary government of Colombia. Where's the morality in that? A free trade which by the way, will only screw the everyday non-power seated Colombian.
    ----------
    Thats the best you can come up? Please…… I bet you are one of those socialist pro-Chavez Colombians.
  34. Luke Powell from Vancouver, Canada writes: Mothers Talk from Ottawa, Canada writes: What a joke, I have little sympathy and respect for a culture of elite athletes, of any country, the vast majority who cheat and use performance inhancing drugs. This vain proud display of physical endurance is nothing but a sham and comes at a obscene cost on many levels. Meanwhile innocent people are brutalized by a fascist state just so elite athletes can play corrupt elitist games for a few weeks. Thats the real crime.

    ---------

    It's kind of startling how fine the line between idealism and cynicism really is.
  35. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: Mike Witcher from montreal, Canada writes: 'Yvonne,
    I am flabbergasted that you admit to mounting horses. It isn't courageous, it's sick. Yet interesting.....'

    Hilarious Mr. Witcher, particularly taking into account your target, the clueless Yvonne Whackamole.
  36. O Canada from Canada writes: It is not my responsibility to support athletes. They do what they want to do and that's fine with them but that doesn't make it my responsibility to support them. I am not hurting the athletes personally by not supporting the Olympics – it’s an irrational argument. I am not even hurting the Olympic Committee or the sponsors since I don't have a ratings meter on my television.


    It's a matter of choice and conscience for many who are boycotting. This is about responsibility to one’s own moral compass. China should never have been given the Olympics. It doesn’t follow that it’s hypocritical either since you don’t know what each person is supporting or not, i.e. free trade with Columbia.



    I am not obligated to support the Olympics or to watch the commercials of those that have sponsored the Olympics. Others may have a dysfunctional sense that they have to “support the athletes” but this is irrational thinking.
  37. gerhard beck from Canada writes: Randal Oulton, the reference to Scot Oldershaws not being in the Olympics in 1980 is based on the fact that those Games in Moscow were boycotted because of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. A Regatta in Duisburg Germany took place instead with most of the nations except the USSR participating. It was a nice event but could not quite make up for the spirit of the Olympics.
  38. Emmanuel Chan from Montreal, Canada writes: Mothers Talk: I read your posts with great amusement. Since you have such strong feelings about boycotting these Games over the issue of China's human rights record, would you like to do a self-assessment using the following questions? (1) Have you examined every single item that you use on a daily basis to ensure that none of them are made in China? (2) If you own a car or other vehicle, can you attest that not even a single nail used in the vehicle was made in China? (3) If you are employed, can you attest that your employer does not engage in any business with China (otherwise you will need to boycott your employer and quit your job). (4) If you own your own business, can you attest that you do not sell to any clients who do businesses with China? Otherwise, you should decline selling to these clients. (5) Do you first check that any of the grocery stores where you shop do not import any goods from China? Otherwise, you would be implicitly supporting the Chinese government by shopping at that store. The list can go on and on, but I have a feeling that even based on those 5 questions, your call for boycott would only expose your own naivete and hypocrisy. As for the Beijing Olympic Games, all the best to our athletes. I've also been amused by the numerous ways that the Chinese government has found to humiliate itself on the international stage. I think that the Games will produce some incredible athletic achievements. On the other hand, the Chinese government will hopefully continue to make themselves a laughing stock of the world with their amateur antics and attempts to control everything from traffic to protests to the weather.
  39. Under Northern Sky from Germany writes: What can we achieve in boycotting the Olympic or made in China products? Stopping doing businesses with China will just impoverish its 1.4 billion people, and possible mass starvation. That'll be more inhumane than the totalitarian Chinese government.
  40. Clive Gingell from Canada writes: Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: Mike Witcher from montreal, Canada writes: 'Yvonne,
    I am flabbergasted that you admit to mounting horses. It isn't courageous, it's sick. Yet interesting.....'

    Hilarious Mr. Witcher, particularly taking into account your target, the clueless Yvonne Whackamole.
    .............................................

    Reminds me of the little old lady who took her two recently deceased bunnies to the taxidermist.

    'Do you want them mounted?' he asked.

    'No, just holding hands', said she.
  41. CC Rider from Toronto, Canada writes: Sorry people....but who cares....the Olympics are supposed to be about the athletes NOT the countries, the countries' flags, the countries' medal counts....the whole point of the Olympics has been lost and is now a political farse where the host country is driving their countrymen out of theri homes, preventing people from driving in Beijing, not serving dog meat etc., etc., all for the sake of a politically correct Olympics. It has become a media event and which athletes will get caught using performance enhancing drugs. When will the IOC wake up and go back to the original intent of the Olympic games?.............never....toooooo much money involved........what a shame.......
  42. Emmanuel Chan from Montreal, Canada writes: Mothers Talk: I hope that you will be hand delivering your mail and that you will not use Canada Post of any of the courier companies that operate in Canada. At last check, they all do some form of business with China or are either direct or indirect supporters of the Beijing Games. But be sure that you don't walk on any public roads or sidewalks while you're delivering the bill as all of the roads have been built using either material and/or machines that have at least 1 component made in China or by contractors who engage in business with China.
  43. Mothers Talk from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    'Emmanuel Chan from Montreal, Canada writes: Mothers Talk: I read your posts with great amusement.'

    That 'amusement' comes with a pricetag, expect a bill in the mail soon, and its not made in china.
  44. Plain Jane from Canada writes: I don't care who's carrying the flag. This is the most shameful Olympics since prewar Berlin. China continues to occupy Tibet, and to refuse many of its people basic human rights. We shame ourselves by going to Beijing to participate in bread and circuses.

    We should support freedom, not flags. Boycott Beijing.
  45. Emmanuel Chan from Montreal, Canada writes: Plain Jane: Read comment from 3:49PM. They would apply to you as well.
  46. gerhard beck from Canada writes: Emmanuel, did you read the article about genetic treatment to enhance lung capacity? Beats regular doping, doesn't it?The Olymoics are becoming more and more of a farce.

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