Thursday Aussie’s top Olympic hopeful Daria Joura carried the Olympic torch. What a thrill, for her!
Australian Gym Blog offers good advice:
… To anyone who has an opinion to voice on the Tibet issue, or who opposes the torch relay, and plans to overtly show their intentions as the torch goes by, please do it peacefully. I understand that passive action is in no way equitable to what China may have done to certain people over time, and of course the torch relay is attempting to distract from a lot of flaws, but the Olympic event itself stands for a lot. One of my best friends ran with the Sydney Olympic torch nearly a decade ago and that was an amazing experience for all involved, even us spectating. I would have hated for someone to try and physically wrench the torch off of her.
The torchbearers are not the ones involved in the bigger issues. They’re simply there to take part.
If you must protest against what the torch stands for – turn your back. You’ll be making a statement and making it peacefully. Nobody deserves to be hurt or frightened. Anger begets violence, if Yoda has taught us anything. Just turn your back as the torch passes, it’s the smart and safe thing to do.
Dasha – Olympic Test Meet – Olympic Spirit blog
Gymnastics Coaching.com 