Currently, the Sochi Olympics are being broadcast around the world, but some of the athletes are crying foul. On top of already porous conditions, some of the competitors are accusing the Russians of foul play. One example is the skeleton track. According to one article, athletes are noticing that the further they go down the track, the slower they get. In reality, the opposite should be occurring as it is a downhill course. The key to losing speed, apart from a crash or bump, is warmer temperatures. The racers are saying that after the Russians race, the track is warmed up and thus slower times. This "strategy" hasn't worked flawlessly as the Russians took home silver in one of the event but it is something to consider
This ties to the idea of scapegoating. Communist Russia is an easy target to point the finger and blame for mishaps. The horrid conditions in the Olympic Village and safety concerns put a dent in the Russian reputation as a host nation. I also feel that the Russian athletes are under tremendous pressure to succeed, as evidenced by the "missing" technician of the failed 5th ring in the opening ceremony. As backwards as dictatorships appear to others in 2014, I can't help but wonder if there is validity to these claims.
Good example of scapegoating and it seems as if you think this is appropriately place scapegoating as well. Is there anyone else you think deserves some of this blame but hasn't received it because Russia is being used as the scapegoat?
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