Life, sports must go on

By Christopher Hanson

There is something captivating about sports. People are hypnotically drawn to it for many reasons—the love of competition, the courage of the underdog and the ferocity of the victor, and the hope of revenge. We are cheering for more than the home team; we are championing a way of life. Each competition represents a battle between opposing forces yearning for glory, for honor, for vindication.

Since the events of Sept. 11, sports have become an even more intricate thread in the tapestry of American culture. They depict the American spirit and identity while athletes become more than simply competitors on the playing field. The World Series not only brought New York City together but also united the American people. True devotees and occasional viewers huddled around televisions and radios across the country to cheer on the perseverance of America. The national anthem was no longer a prelude to the night's proceedings but the centerpiece of the main event.

GETTY IMAGES American sportsmanship at its best

Still, some sports have suffered as a direct result of the terrorist attacks. The United States women's tennis team recently withdrew from the annual Federation Cup—a round-robin tournament featuring eight nations. The U.S. was a two-time defending champion, but security concerns prompted the team to pull out. Although the U.S.'s withdrawal is understandable, the team has drawn much criticism from other nations. The women's tennis season ended last Sun., Nov. 4, and the Fed Cup started on Wed., Nov. 7. Many nations claim the U.S. women were tired from playing the final events of the year and did not want to waste energy playing the international competition. Ivo Van Anken, the captain of the Belgian team, said, "It's obvious that they didn't want to play on clay after the Masters and to come here for one competition. That's why they're not here. The events of Sept. 11 gave them an excuse." Guy Forget, the French captain, added, "The fanatics who carry out horrible acts have other things to do than worry about tennis matches."

These statements by the international captains show a lack of concern for the U.S. team. Many of the members, including Venus Williams, did not even play a single match after Sept 11. To think that the team would merely skip this esteemed competition due to fatigue is ridiculous—the American team has won the Fed Cup 17 times in the past and were the heavy favorites to repeat this year. Many of the players are still coming to terms with the psychological scars that have been imprinted on all Americans. For the Belgian captain even to hint at ulterior motives is insensitive to America's current plight.

Another event raising questions as of late is the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. An International Olympic Committee member from Norway has suggested that the U.S. should relinquish its right to host the Games. However, it would be against the Olympic spirit to cancel in the face of strife. If America hosts the games having taken the appropriate security measures, the country can prove to the world that the U.S. has risen from the ashes and still remains strong. As a symbol of international cooperation and camaraderie, the Olympics must go on for the sake of the U.S. and for the people of all nations.

The arena of sports is one of the most romantic elements of society. Opponents must continue to battle. Victors must continue to strive for supremacy. Legends must continue to thrive. Sports must survive.

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