Dirk Nowitzki on Olympic Boycotts
April 17, 2008 by Tobias
The German news channel n-tv just released a statement of Dirk Nowitzki regarding the ongoing problems about the Olympics in Beijng this summer.
Why should athletes do, what politicans aren’t able to do for years? It is wrong, to make the athletes protest now! When they elected China for the Olympic games to be held at, they should have known that two worlds would clash. They also should have known that there will be trouble, but sport itself is non-political and there are athletes that work for the Olympics for four years. There is no reason for these guys now, not to participate!”
There is still no news on Chris Kaman getting a German passport to fight for Germany’s spot for the Olympics. Germany is not qualified for the Olympics yet and has to play a tournament in Athens later this summer.
This is why Dirk will always have our respect…
A true gem for Europe and basketball this guy…
I agree with Dirk.
Politicians, worlwide brands & T.V networks “gave” the Olympics to China.
If the athletes could have choose a city, I am not sure that the track&field pepople would have give it to Beking (Pekin).
For example, our French famous walker, Diniz (vice-World champion) said that the pollution will be a big problem for long distance people.
So sport doesn’t have to pay for politics, because they are not the one that choose China.
“sport itself is non-political” ??
perhaps dirk has not remembered the 1936 olympic games in germany… http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44541000/jpg/_44541038_brandenburg_getty466b.jpg
Famous pic - ‘black panther salute’ … Powerful image..
http://www.popartuk.com/photography/people-bw/mexico-city-olympics-st3245-poster.asp
I wish Dirk all the best and hope he gets to live out his dream of participating in the Olympic Games. He is such a hard worker and deserves nothing but good things.