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I agree with the Bangor Daily News editorial board when they write in a Feb. 21 editorial regarding the event that Kamila Valieva was involved with mentioning, “There were, it seemed, no real winners in this situation.” There were parts of the Winter 2022 Olympics that were hard to watch. Valieva did her best during the Olympics but the unnecessary pressure that was put on her affected her ability. This is something that has appeared unfortunately in other Olympics and sporting events for years. Sometimes coaches go too far with the way they treat the athletes they are supposed to be supporting and teaching.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should have stepped in to address the matter more firmly. There was an acknowledgement that the way Valieva’s coach treated her was unacceptable, however there should have been more action taken. To not do anything sets a negative precedent for other athletes who work tremendously hard to earn a spot as an Olympian. In a way it undermines all of their efforts and the passion they have for their sport.
Whether people watched the Winter 2022 Olympics or not, coaches and those who are responsible for supporting athletes should be held accountable for their actions. There is no question that winning can be fun, but when athletes are put under so much pressure it affects their emotional, mental, or physical health. Essentially it can prevent them from enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Benjamin Bucklin
Searsport