How awkward will it be this summer for US athletes in Greece?

[AgadorSparticus]

I think it will be a very awkward moment when the american athletes enter the stadium and walk the track. I wouldn't even be surprised if they got booed.

How will they be able to hold their heads up after the torture scandal? What will they say to other athletes and peoples of the world? I can't imagine going abroad now.....

[Renew Deal]

1. It should be fine.

I will be there. I am not that worried about it. Check this out...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x53018

[AgadorSparticus]

8. i didn't see that post. it is interesting. thanks.

[whosinpower]

2. Perhaps they won't be there

Due to unforeseeen terror and security risks......very sad for the athletes, but entirely credible for Greece.

[blackmoonlillith]

3. I would bet a hundred bucks, they'll

be booed when the walk into the arena during the opening ceremonies.

[HuckleB]

4. Very, unless they get smart and wear Kerry patches on their arms!

The crowd would go wild!

[stopthegop]

5. most/all countries have incidents to be ashamed of...

being booed by Russia, Syria or Vietnam will be meaningless...

[Kinkistyle]

14. There was a time when America's standard was a tad higher...

Hey, Vietnam, Russia and Syria are pretty bad too, we aren't alone!

How far we have fallen...

[Zero Gravitas]

23. Our new Motto

At Least We're Not As Bad As Saddam! ™

or

Not Quite As Bad As Russia, Syria, or Vietnam! ™

or

The Country That Used To Be Better Than Russia! ™

[cjbuchanan]

6. They will no be booed

The games are about the athletes. I think people will cheer them. Now if Bush was there leading them, then there would be some boos.

[LagaLover]

11. I agree with you 100%

Most sports fans (at least the ones who can afford to attend the opening ceremony) aren't that petty: they will not blame the athletes for the failings of our administration.

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. It might be wise to not wrap themselves in a flag

for a victory lap. The same goes for UK athletes too (then again, I doubt they'll get many victory laps). I suspect the Australians might get away with it.

I think the opening ceremony will go OK - the athletes don't really havve a choice about parading behind the US flag in that, and I suspect the crowd will understand.

[Baltimoreboy]

18. Screw anybody who boos the flag

If they win, they can do whatever they want.

If the audience blames the athletes, TFB.

[Jacobin]

9. Kinda like the Germans in the late 1930's

It'll be a bitch.

The world considers the United States a rogue nation out of control

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. Since the last Olympics before WW2 was in Berlin in 1936

the Germans didn't have much of a problem with the crowd.

[LagaLover]

12. They can easily hold their heads up

in pride for their athletic accomplishments leading th their being selected to participate in the Olympics. They had nothing to do with AG, so why hang their heads over that. They need to say nothing to the other athletes except, "good luck, I wish you well in the competitions." They aren't responsible for that failings of the Administration or the actions of a handful of moronic reserve MPs.

[LagaLover]

13. They can easily hold their heads up

in pride for their athletic accomplishments leading th their being selected to participate in the Olympics. They had nothing to do with AG, so why hang their heads over that. They need to say nothing to the other athletes except, "good luck, I wish you well in the competitions." They aren't responsible for that failings of the Administration or the actions of a handful of moronic reserve MPs.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. If they go, I will be worried for their safety

[LagaLover]

16. Good point

Hope we don't have anything like the '72 Olympics terrorist attack (kidnapping/murder).

[Loonman]

17. Some Greeks in Greece aren't too crazy about Americans

A friend of mine went to Greece 5 years ago, and there was a massive rock festival going on at the other side of Athens with The Cure, Jesus & Mary Chain and a bunch of other top tier bands. He asked his Greek tour guide if he could head over there by himself and the guy said no way. I guess with a bunch of Americans in a tour group during the day, you're okay, but he would most likely be beaten up, robbed or stabbed or something by himself.

Some Greeks in Greece hate Americans for our support of Turkey.

[mmonk]

19. Very awkward

but that's the least of their worries. Will they be booed (or whistled)? Absolutely. The evidence is there because our atheletes have endured alot at different games leading up to the olympics including chants of "Osama" whenever the anthem has been played. That being said, security is the real concern. Hopefully, the Greeks will do a good job.

[htuttle]

20. It's going to be hard for them to pretend to be Canadians...

...With all the American flags on their clothing and what not.

:shrug:

[LagaLover]

21. Yeah, especially since

many of them will actually WIN something! :-)

[Az]

22. USA! USA! USA! (Uber Alles)

I am pretty sure the glares will start flying with the first round of this insipid chant.

[mmonk]

24. The US team has already been warned

not to be very celebratory when they win something. They were also told not to be arrogant.

[0007]

25. Yes, and like most socially or politically ostracized nations,

the crowds may not boo Americans outright, but I predict you'll hear loud cheering for the opposition to beat the U.S.

The message will be sent how the world feels about America through this athletic event.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

26. Big "BOOOOOs" from the stands. And that's all.

With the possible exception of Venus and Serena Williams.

[LagaLover]

27. Europeans typically whistle rather than boo

I assume the crowd will be majority European...and I don't think they will respond too negatively to our athletes.

[TrogL]

28. Don't be surprised if they're not allowed to go

The Greeks are having a lot of trouble and I'll bet the security won't be up to snuff.