Olympic highs and lows
- By Richard Branson -
- Aug 08, 2012
The Olympic Games have thrown up some extraordinary incidents so far, giving many of us memories that will remain with us forever.
For Team USA their best moments have been provided by the incredible Michael Phelps. Firstly, the way he behaved with such grace after the narrowest of defeats in the pool by the South African swimmer Chad Le Clos.
He was then able to come back from the defeat to become not only the greatest swimmer, but the greatest Olympian of all time. Through these acts he showed how us how true sportsmen should behave, in every respect.
It’s a shame, for both America and the Olympics, that not all of those present at London 2012 have been able to conduct themselves in the same manner as Phelps. Seeing American swimming coach John Leonard accuse China’s Olympic swimming champion Ye Shiwen of taking performance enhancing drugs was a great shame.
It was both sad and irresponsible of Leonard to name and shame someone for a crime, with absolutely no evidence to back up his claim. After all, young people’s bodies can do extraordinary things. It has done enormous harm to America’s relationship with China and robbed a young athlete of the chance to enjoy what should be a moment of immense pride.
Leonard needs to offer a full and frank apology for his comments, before congratulating a young woman on what should only be described as an amazing performance.
Image from marcopako  on Flickr
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
