Scientists now say that height gives sportsman and women such an advantage that the World’s swimming and athletics bodies may soon have to introduce boxing-style weight classes. All it takes is a few tall athletes (I’m thinking of one 6ft5 Jamaican sprinter in particular) winning consistently for political correctness to go mad.
Yes, height is deemed an advantage in some sports such as rowing, tennis and some spheres of athletics but why does this now mean that society must modify competition rules to ensure that everyone has a fair chance? I think we’re all adult enough to realise - Life isn’t fair! I’m pretty sure that I realised at around 7 years old that I just wouldn’t make it as a gymnast – 6 inches taller than all the other girls and a little chubby with it, I didn’t get upset – I just got on with it.
Why can’t society and the political correctness mob stop meddling and leave us all to be grown up enough to realise we are not going to be good at everything. Here’s a novel ideal – if you’re tall, play tennis or row, if you’re short become a gymnast or a jockey. Now why can’t we all just do what we’re suited to?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Cass 10.14.09 at 8:30 pm
I totally agree. Pretty much it is the countries that don’t tend to have taller athletes that I’m sure have the issue with this. Those same countries though are more than likely a lot richer and their shorter athletes get better support from ealier stages. Lets face it, even if some of the athletes causing the rethink of categories were a few inches shorter they would probably still be winning. It’s more about natural ability, dedication and hard work than it is your height. Not all tall people make great sprinters or swimmers and not all short people make great jokeys. Find what you are good at and stick to it.
ben 10.15.09 at 6:02 pm
Since when did introducing height modification rules have anything to do with political correctness? Is the reason that we have these categories in boxing because of political correctness? NO!
Amazona 10.16.09 at 11:57 am
So, Ben.. we should all live out lives being segregated into groups dependent on our achievement levels? Just so we don’t get too offended by not winning? Well if it’s going to apply to all areas of Sport we might as well apply to all areas of life… From now on, you can only date in your ‘league’?? haha.. ok, that may be ridiculous but I think we segregation of athletes to this potential level is a step too far… Maybe we should start having a different class for African long distance runners as they’re obviously naturally better than other countries? Crazy huh? x