Topic: Slotgate revisited

[Dave Chiu]

My suggestion about population was just a response to the MANY lifters allowed in who could not possibly have qualified their way in.

It was an extra slap in the face every time someone made a pathetic showing that would not have been competitive in even an "F" session if there were that many allowed in.

The US was told slots were too precious to spare,

... and then we see sessions canceled for not enough entrants,

... and guys like those Polynesians who embarrassed a proudly muscular people...

... by totaling far less than the WOMEN'S Super champ!!

I think my point holds -- set standards like in T&F, allow full teams from countries who make the grade, and REFUSE to appear corrupt w/ all the affirmative action stuff.

[Danny Nemani]

Dave, I understand your frustration (and I'm sure everyone else does) about Casey being denied a spot to lift.  Damn, I was gutted when he didn't get a spot and was perplexed as to why he didn't end up getting a spot in Beijing.

BUT attacking "those polynesians" is not the way to go about proving Casey's case.  I found your comments here offensive and uncalled for.

Ask yourself, If you were given a chance to represent your country at an Olympic Games, would you take the spot or would you refuse it because you knew you wouldn't total higher than the Woman's Super Champ?

Don't blame the lifters because they were given a spot.  My point is, direct your attacks at the right people.

From a proud Samoan/Tongan
Danny

[Dave Chiu]

My apologies for making offense.

Some of my favorite people are Polynesians,

... and I was embarassed to see how they were represented by unqualified lifters.

Samoans and Tongans have become well known for EARNING their recognition, not by just looking good or showing up, but thru hard work and superior performance.

The gal in the Supers was more worthy -- beat the American (who should have medaled if she'd stayed w/ her original coach), and showed well how the man who has made Oceania a weightlifting player gets some in thru excellence and others thru politics.

That guy may be under-tall, but he's personally got more results and power than USAW!!

[Danny Nemani]

Hey Dave, muchos gracias.  You are the bigger man for apologising.  I know you are more frustrated than anything else.  Apology accepted. 

We are all in the same boat with backing Casey, he's a top guy and a top lifter.  (I met him at the 2004 Mermet Cup in Melbourne).  I remember he brought a digereedoo (sp?) and ask me if I knew how to play it, I had a blank look on my face and shrugged my shoulders.  He just laughed at me LOL

Peace