Beijing: Gold, Silver, Bronze......and The Fourth Medal?

First and foremost we have to congratulate China for the recent spectacle she bestowed upon the world in the mould of the just concluded Olympic games. In terms of organisational prowess and grandiose-albeit the occasional pockets of tibetan protests-the world´s most populous nation delivered on her promises. The opening ceremony was truly one of a kind as the country once labelled in historical past as the 'Sick Man of Asia' proved that she is indeed the 'Kingpin of Asia'. With this latest piece of showing, no longer is China only being discussed in terms of her population-almost (if not more) a quarter of world´s census figures- she has now been accorded the respect and status of an emergent superpower.

The Beijing games was so good that the next host- in – waiting, London, already have their organisers awake all night, sweating profusely and pondering over the remote prospects of matching China´s wondrous achievement, let alone the delusional-reality of topping the feat in four years time. If the just concluded Olympic games in China could be likened to a vintage car, I, personally would call it a 'Bentley' or a 'Buggatti'. And as for the next one due to be hosted in London: In comparison to Beijing, the label 'Volkswagen Beetle' or 'Bug' (anyone´s choice) would be a fair assessment.

The games that not only gave us the flamboyant Jamaican by the name 'Usain Bolt', the fastest man in the world over 100 and 200 metres, it also gave us the fastest swimmer Michael Phelps who almost - singlehandedly- cleared the medals table for the United states. Overall, the games was a symbol of victory on two fronts : On the one hand, the entire world was shown that superhuman feats, with hard work, relentless focus, and dedication can be achieved at the highest possible stage without drugs or 'doping'. And on the other -perhaps more importantly - the hosts succeeded in proving to the world that there is another side to China; another perspective that all of a sudden seems such a distant memory from the suppressive and despotic regime, custodians of human rights and freedom of speech principle the world over have grown accustomed to.

Regarding the Olympics itself, one of its underlying tenets is to promote world unity through sports: Fact. Then comes the premise which begs the question on how really 'united' are (or were) the participating member countries of the world, because whilst glued to our TV screens watching China 'showboating' her hospitality and hosting potentials, with the contingents and representatives of various countries around the world celebrating their unity through sports, we were also reminded of our diversity and sharp differences with Russia pre-occupied with the bombardment of Georgia – once a Russian territory- with missiles and mortars. The subject of military conflict being Ossetia and Abkhazia, a breakaway region, of Georgia which also has Russian citizens.

For those who know or may not know, Russia already had an axe to grind with Georgia owing to the latter´s affiliation and loyal support to the West(most especially America). And from the conflict that ensued it was a no-brainer that militarily, Russia was light years ahead of Georgia. It was indeed a sad sight on television and newspapers seeing the Georgian President take cover during one of the Russian air raids; a once sovereign nation brought down to its knees. As for Russia´s actions, it reminds one of that 'Killing a fly with a sledgehammer' rhetoric of old.

Amid the furore, all the United States and other European powers could do was fold their arms and watch Georgia, which US once promised her undying support and protection, get pummelled. Sources in the Kremlin stated the White House instigated the conflict in order to boost the chances of Senator Mccain at the expense of Obama in the ongoing US presidential election race.In other words, spreading the 'politics of fear' amongst the average American voters' minds, thereby influencing their ultimate choice of the two candidates.That is, which of the two frontrunners would make a better commander-in-chief should Russia pose a threat to America or any one of her allies. Senator Mccain´s experience in Vietnam as a 'war hero' and prisoner-of-war or Obama´s inexperience on Foreign Policies. Ingenious, if of course, that conspiracy theory has any grain of truth to it.

Now to the important point of the day, a point whose purpose it is to critique the irony of promoting international friendly ties amongst countries on a global scale through the Olympics; the rationale behind those medals, be it Gold, Silver, or Bronze that adorns the necks of those athletes, proudly representing their countries while their governments engage in power tussles in all spheres unimaginable. By the way, is it any coincidence that just one cursory look at the final medals table at the Beijing games would reveal China, USA, Russia, and Great Britain-in the exact same order- as the dominant forces? An order that has gone beyond just sports to a socio-economic and political world order. We all should know by now those who get to hear their national anthems played the most at these ceremonies. And we all should also know by now the ones who swoop the largest quantities of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals every four years.

Whatever happened to the worthless 'Coppers'( If any)? Surely the NOC (National Olympic Committee) at some point should consider a 'fourth medal' for the helpless and hapless nations such as Georgia, who in the face of military aggression can only hope they don´t get wiped off the face of the earth. Countries who don´t stand a chance be it in sports- on this occasion the Olympic games - or on the field of military battle should be considered for this fourth medal.

A fourth medal that would symbolise to the trigger-happy superpowers that whilst they battle at the very top for spoils, be it in oil and gas, or foreign policies and territories the 'little man' at the lower rung of the ladder takes all the heat. Although, the spirit of the Olympics or what it genuinely represents should by no means be frowned upon, it however seems, with every passing four years, this global sports event is slowly gravitating towards the prospect of replicating in the sports arena what is already the status quo in world affairs; what Karl Marx, the iconic communist referred to in his theory of the 'Haves' and 'Have nots'. Thereby giving us another version of the world 'top dogs' one hand and the 'underdogs' on the other.

So be it as it may, the fourth medal, ladies and gentlemen, if only for symbolic reasons, is definitely an expedient reality.

Lest I forget, it is pertinent I say 'well done' to 'His Royal Tyrant-ness', Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe who recently gave Zimbabwean´s most successful athlete at the Beijing games, Kirsty Coventry-a white Zimbabwean currently resident in America-a 100,000 US dollars as a reward for winning gold medal in the women´s 200 metres backstroke swimming event. Surely there can be nothing wrong with a 'pat on the back' in a normal situation. However, in abnormal economical times, where millions of starving Zimbabweans buy loaves of bread for the now next-to-worthless millions of Zimbabwean dollars, owing to galloping inflation, the gesture would be seen not only as a 'pat on the back' for their most adored athlete but more importantly a 'stab on the back' for the common Zimbabwean man on the street.

Mugabe must wise up and remember : 'Vox populi Vox dei' – That's right, the voice of the people he serves is the voice of God.