I suppose the perception of whether something is overly nationalistic or not is very subjective. I feel it far more at the Olympics than at other World championship occasions. I am not sure that Courbetin’s ideals have much to do with the modern event:

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”

And your comparison with F1 is instructive, because there we are supporting drivers and cars, not nations.

Word Championships ?, thats a new one on me, any more rib ticklers?.:D
See, I realy DO read all you type;)
Jim.

Lincoln .7
:diablo:

Have you only just heard of them?;) That shows how low the hype is!!:D

Ah well, your comments are noted but my objections, unrelated to your comments, stand and I will continue to enjoy the Word Championships of the many sports which enjoy these far less hyped, far less expensive and far less nationalistic events and in which British sportsmen and women are often very successful.

I am not sure that we will “all be sticking together” on Thursday. Several hundred thousand public sector workers are likely to inconvenience the majority, many of whom will not be in sympathy with them, and many of whom work in the private sector subject to the tough economic times we are living through.

I am not criticising anything, let alone “policy”, whatever that means in this context.:confused:

And forgive my ignorance but ” Monday morning quaterback(sic)”??

Lots of good pictures and narrative, as ever, but I particilarly enjoyed the Mossie pictures. Well done that man!!:D

Who said he was unable to formulate his own opinions?:confused: If he has read carefully all the posts, as you suggest, then he failed to take account of all the points of view expressed or indeed to comment on them. So, we might hear more from him, or not….:)

Apathy? No, reality I would suggest. And as for the “great british attitude” – I am not sure what that is/was.

Arthur – see #2. My objections to the Games are rather different, and would apply wherever they are held. I am also unimpressed by the promised long term benefits – see #12.