Eldon-Online

Tall Poppy Syndrome

If you have started to read this in the hope that it is something to do with creating genetically modified flowers that provide a greater volume of a well known narcotic - STOP!!

I am instead referring to a term used, particularly in Australia it seems, which basically means bringing someone down to earth. Now, put up your hand if you were genuinely shocked by the elimination of Chicago in the first round of voting to select the host venue for the 2016 Olympics. Okay, my hand is down - but I must say I was a little surprised at that particular turn of events even though I didn't think Chicago would win. (And to those people who still think it, I am not anti American!).

But think about  it. The world's press headlines in the run up to the vote all trumpeted the fact that President Obama and the First Lady were going to Denmark to "bring the Olympics back to Chicago". Don't blame me for the headlines, I don't write them! They went on to say - ".. if the Games are not awarded to America this could prove financially damaging to the Olympic movement". The USA is the largest financial contributor to the Games. Didn't anyone think that this sort of news reporting might get right up people's noses? (get up someone's nose: Informal - to annoy someone).

You can argue that other heads of state, Kings, Presidents were also present in Copenhagen, and they made impassioned speeches on behalf of their country, so what was the difference between them being there and the US President? Simply the manner of his arrival and the newspaper headlines that accompanied it. The message received by others - and I have been asking a lot of people in different countries - (I have been in four in the last 7 days; five if you count Hong Kong), is that the news accompanying the President indicated he was going to walk in and take the prize. I don't blame the President. His heart was clearly where it should have been, but the timing was awful.

The Tall Poppy cutters obviously thought so too!

I feel for the cities that lost the vote. So much work and effort goes into the preparation of any bid but most people seem to think that it is the turn of Latin America anyway. The chosen city of Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful place, although it has a patchy history, a questionable security record and some difficult challenges ahead. They have something to prove in being awarded this prestigious event, and I am sure they will rise to it.

To my Brasilian friends Felicitações e boa sorte. See you there!!

Non-Compete Clause

Britain has enjoyed its most successful Olympics and Paralympics in years - testament you may think to a training regime that has been instituted in recent years to make up for mediocre past performances. Turning on its head the more usual cry of "Jolly good show; getting the bronze medal was an awfully good effort". Even the Aussies were surprised, but couldn't resist taking a swipe at the fact that many of the gold medals were won from a "sitting position". Now then, jealousy will get you nowhere.

There is no doubt in the minds of the British team at least, that quite a lot of the difference in their performance has been as a result of the availability of funding channeled from the lottery. Funds that have been put into the building of new facilities and have helped to defray the costs of some of the athletes who could not otherwise afford financially to take out the necessary time for training.

So, something is clearly going right. The facilities are better, there is time to train and so now all we need to ensure is that the competitive spirit remains. The will to win. The British tendency - and I am not critical of it, in fact absolutely the opposite - to be good sports, and by and large to prefer fair play has, sadly, provided us with a reputation for "choking" when it comes to the big events. For not having that desire to come out on top. No single-minded determination.

Given the recent results, then, we seem to have taken a dramatic step forward. And for the next step? Well, why not try and bring something of the competitive spirit back into the schoolyards. Surely, properly channeled this should be the foundation for future generations of athletes with a will to win. To compete with the rest of the world, who take their games seriously.

"Ah but", says a section of the governing bodies and teachers in schools, "if we lionise successful children on the sports fields, we are going to permanently scar those who are less talented". I guess this means we need to bring everything down to the lowest common denominator. Make sure nobody runs faster than the slowest person on the track so the slowcoach feels good! Well, I bet the slowcoach doesn't actually feel good, and knows exactly what is happening.

And now we have the professional sports bodies joining the fray. England's Football Association has now decreed from this season that the scores of matches played between teams of young people must not be published, that league tables cannot be kept and that prizes should not be awarded. The rationale? It is to allow young children to nurture their skills without facing the pressure to win.

Look, pressure is all around us today. The number of young adults who find the pressure of life generally to be too much for them saddens me. They are depressed; they seek solace in binge drinking. It's a modern phenomenon. Adults too face pressures, but I think that perhaps those of us who have reached a certain age are better equipped to deal with it, than the younger generation. 

I know I'm getting old and crotchety. Policemen are looking very young, a sure sign of old age, and I am much better at remembering what I did as a kid than what I had for lunch yesterday, but please - if this is where Britain is headed, then get used to being the perennial runners-up. Or, teach children properly, and at an early age, that an element of competition is healthy, and that while you may not be a good runner yourself, the good runner may not be good at other things. 

The best thing Britain can do, to honour the present breed of Olympian, is start to nurture their successors.

Pride of Place

The British author and TV Presenter, Jeremy Paxman, summed up the English (specifically) as being "... polite, unexcitable, reserved, and who had hot-water bottles instead of a sex-life". A summing up that could, perhaps, apply to the British generally although we Scots have been known on occasion to thump our chests, albeit usually prematurely, having scored the first points in a Six Nations rugby against the "Auld Enemy", from which we go on to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!

Britons have usually been more apologetic than proud of their country and its achievements - at least since they lost the Empire! Rare sightings are seen of anything other than a stiff upper lip, and competitiveness on a school sports field seems to have been banned because it disadvantages the less talented. Not so, it seems in the world of art, where a dead sheep suspended in a tank of formaldehyde is considered worthy of rapturous outpourings. Thank goodness art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Abroad, the average Brit will not open his or her mouth in a foreign language unless there is a high degree of confidence that, mentally at least before utterance, the words and the sentence construction are correct; (and I did say "average" before my own children who are at least bi-lingual and in most cases tri-lingual, take me to task!). We tend not to stand out in a crowd in case we stand at the wrong time. We are self-effacing to the extent that you realise we would have been just as happy with getting a second place. A jolly good show!

That was until two weeks ago.

The usually staid "Daily Telegraph" newspaper headline for 20 August read "A Great British Olympics". Since I arrived a few days ago, I have seen a level of pride rising in Britain in a way I have not seen before. A pride in being British, even. Not an arrogant, huffing and puffing, chest-out pride of course, (let's not go overboard!) but just a genuine pleasure in seeing British athletes in all disciplines bringing home medals many were not expected to win. And even taking a good natured "dig" at the Australians for a change, to whom we seem to lose at so many other things.

But the point is this. Success is infectious. It has been the wettest August in Britain for many years, maybe since records began - and we are only just over half way through the month, but you wouldn't know it, from the glow of the Olympic successes. There is an attitude of mind that is positive, and it has been achieved in a short space of time. A real feel good factor. And it brought me back to thinking about Hong Kong.

Thinking about how, so often, we look for the negatives even in a positive environment - or an environment that is least better than that elsewhere. If attitude of mind is the key, then we need to be highlighting those events that should make us feel proud of Hong Kong. Start with our part in the Olympics - a successful equestrian event, thanks to the Jockey Club in large part. Continue by promoting democracy, and electing people to Legco next month whose interests are in the future prosperity of Hong Kong. 

I feel the world is watching us rather more closely than we might think, and a positive attitude will demonstrate that we are awake, alive and not suffering from complacency. We must be proud of who we are and what we have achieved. If the British can do it - so can we!

Shattered Dreams?

Tibet. A name on the lips of many today as violent scenes erupt around the world in a carefully orchestrated outpouring of sentiment towards a country that seeks self determination.
No good will come from writing about such an emotive topic, because to support the arguments on either side will result in criticism and misunderstanding on the other. But not to say anything at all, and pretend there is not a problem, really supports the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller (1892-1984) - which read:

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

I believe entirely in human rights. I believe in the freedom of expression; the rule of law; in the ability of anyone to openly practice whatever religion or follow whatever belief they choose - or not to follow anything at all. I believe that no one should go hungry and that everyone should be entitled to clean water, nor should they be discriminated against.

A kind of Utopia, right? A state of unrealism which suggests that the Americans should give back the land to the Mexicans that were taken from them; that Guantanamo Bay should not exist; that Robert Mugabe should without question step down from the office he has held so corruptly for many years; that the Middle East conflicts in Israel, Palestine and Iraq should be resolved and that Christians should be allowed churches in Saudi Arabia. A world in which the military junta in Myanmar should be hunted down and made to hand over the reins of power to those who won it, fairly, in a democratic election.

Tibet, a "cause" that has had the word "celebre" added to it. A cause which seems to have attracted the same "rent a mob" that attends the WTO or the IMF meetings where the advertisements to entice attendees (of the protesting kind) promise entertainment, street parties and some action. A mob which knows how to shout "Free Tibet", but which doesn't know either why it should be freed, what it should be free from or, actually, where it is. I do not belittle the efforts of those who do know what they are talking about, but I speak as a generalisation.

So, we now have a global campaign designed to support a perceived injustice. "Perceived" because, at this stage China has merely said "hands off" without offering any explanations as to its actions or being willing to talk to reach an understanding. Like it or not we live in a globalised world where the actions of our fellow world-dwellers cannot be hidden from view. We need to deal with the politics, but should do so through diplomatic means, not mindless violence.

Meanwhile, if this continues shouldn't we start planning for the protests against the UK in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games? Wasn't it Britain that helped create many of the problems that Africa faces today by not preparing them properly for democracy; by dealing ineffectually with people like Mugabe; who helped create a "country" like Iraq after World War 1, and who then supported the invasion of that country? Why single out China for attention - just because everyone else is feeling smug in their new glass houses? Come on, keep the ball rolling. I am sure there are some Scots who would be more than happy to join in. Serious? Of course not - but there are plenty of activists out there looking for a cause, whether it affects them or not.

But with all that, I got away from the point.

While politics and diplomacy g>should be taking centre stage in resolving an issue that clearly has much wider implications than I suspect China ever anticipated, try and spare a thought for those athletes whose dream has been to represent their country at the Olympics. Something that, for many, is the culmination of years of determination, sweat and genuine endeavour. Dreams that, as a result of threats, boycotts and other actions that have little to do with sport, may never be fulfilled in full.

And no, this is not an "apology" for condoning issues as serious as human rights, but those dreams also exist amongst those living in desperately poor and/or oppressed countries under despotic regimes. Dreams that might, for just a while, give them a glimmer of hope. Dreams that can so easily be shattered in a world increasingly ruled by the media and the mobs.

A Racing Certainty

I had better declare an interest! I am involved in Hong Kong's Jockey Club and have watched in recent years as attendance at race meetings has fallen and betting turnover has dropped. Happily that trend has, at least in the early part of the 2007/08 season, been reversed and there are a few more smiles around the place.

For those not in the know, the Jockey Club is non-profit. The majority of the stake gets returned to the punters, a decent percentage (well, decent for them) goes to the Government in tax, a small percentage goes to the running and administration of the Club, while the balance goes to charity. So far, so good, and for those who read these pages, you may recall another piece dealing with Macau in July where I also touched upon the Jockey Club.

I write this from Melbourne where I have been attending, on behalf of the Jockey Club, the Melbourne Cup Carnival - and what a show they have put on. It spans a week, and is held in a true carnival atmosphere.
But for me, the contrast with Hong Kong racing is stark. Not because this is a one off week of colour and entertainment, because Hong Kong can do that too, and does so for the International Races. No, what struck me was the attendance of young people, of two categories. There were the young adults caught up in the enthusiasm of the day. No, not all of them racing aficionados; many just there for a good time at an event where they would meet and catch up with friends. The others, children of racegoers. There for a good picnic lunch and a runaround.

During the summer this year I attended Ascot in the UK, where the races were not so carnival-like in outlook, but where the attendance demographics were similar to Melbourne. In addition the UK has a website which sets out exactly what people can expect from a day at the races - including free entry for children up to the age of 16. A comment that would send shivers down the spine of our Government.

Hong Kong's racegoers, by contrast, are generally engrossed in their racing form - and children are not allowed anywhere near the place for fear that they will fall into bad habits and be allowed to gamble. It would be true to say that there are some signs of life in the new Racing Club, and in the provision of activities more appealing to a younger, but adult, crowd particularly at the Happy Valley track on a Wednesday night.

The whole sport of racing, in the eyes of Government and certain focus groups in Hong Kong, appears to be a fear that the attendance of young people at races tracks in Hong Kong will subsequently lead to bad habits, and in particular an addiction to gambling. The preferred "solution" appears to be a prohibition on such activities.

Gambling is a disease, and gambling ruins families. I am not so naive as to believe it is a minor problem. But, as experience has shown, prohibition merely drives it underground. Gambling is not going to stop just because you make it illegal, or try to prevent it by other means. People who have the unhealthy desire to gamble will soon find alternative means to do so.

Meanwhile, back to Melbourne and Ascot and all those many other racing jurisdictions around the world where a day at the races is seen as a family day out. It seems to me that Hong Kong should encourage a healthy interest in the sport of kings, rather than trying to make it look like some sleazy activity only to be carried out furtively inside smoke-filled rooms behind closed doors.

We should celebrate the success of Hong Kong's racing industry and its many achievements. And we should build a base of newer, younger interested people - just like they do successfully in other World Cities.

When the Wheels Fall Off...

Is it just me, or does anyone else think the world is getting out of balance?
Amongst the stories in today's newspapers we are told of a bus driver who received a HK$4,000 fine and a two month disqualification for running over and killing a pedestrian . Meanwhile the misery of Darfur and neighbouring areas continues to engender sympathy but little concrete action, it seems, as the people who could do something about it are already occupied in trying to justify their existence in trouble spots like Iraq.

Meanwhile we have news of those naughty boys of the McLaren Formula 1 team, being fined US$100m for doing a little spying! Now clearly, spying is wrong and deserves to be dealt with appropriately, but help me out here - isn't there a lack of perspective in the appropriate level of punishment that is being handed out. Take someone's life and get a HK$4,000 (US$500) fine, but try to take a competitive advantage and get a US$100m fine?

And then, where does the US$100m go? We do not seem to be told what will happen to the fine when it is received. I might be a little less critical of all this if someone from the governing body of Formula 1 said it would be used to aid earthquake victims in Peru and Indonesia, or go towards improving the lives of millions - for surely the money would be sufficient to do that - of people without homes, clean water, electricity and schools.

So, back to the punishment for the McLaren team. They lose points, any further benefits for the season, and no share in the end of season financial spoils but, all is not lost...their two drivers, one of whom has (and I must say deservedly) enlivened the sport this year, can continue to fight it out for the leadership as if nothing has happened. That should keep the public interested - and the sponsorship money coming in!

Honest Endeavour?

As the Tour de Farce cycles to another ignominious and scandal-tainted end in Paris, we are left to ponder the rights and wrongs of performance enhancing supplements taken by man and, occasionally, (admittedly, man-administered) beast.
I have lost count of how many people have been caught up in recent years over the drug revelations by the body that regulates cycling. Then recently we have an outburst from Gary Player on the eve of the British Golf Open at Carnoustie claiming golfers are taking drugs. Tennis has not been immune from allegations, and players indeed have been banned for improper use. Jockeys (and their mounts), athletes in track and field, and just about every sport you can name has its problems. And, I suspect, it is more prevalent in the professional ranks than the amateur. Money does strange things to people.
Of course, add to this the fact that in a "hearts on sleeve" series of revelations, it seems that half the new British Cabinet have been admitting to smoking (at least) cannabis when they were students. This, against a background of growing evidence that smoking cannabis can lead to schizophrenia, might account for a lot of things in Britain today!!
But, I digress. Back to sport.
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I always thought that sporting achievement was a mark of honest human endeavour - not a question of who had access to the best medical science available to improve performance "unnaturally". At least, not in a competitive environment. If you want to experiment on human bodies, keep it separate - or- do as many have suggested to me recently, acknowledge that drugs are out there and always will be, so just let everybody take what they want - and let the best bio-chemist win! Perhaps the 2012 Olympic Games in London could be a real showcase; The first chemical Olympics, and if Labour still happen to be in power, they will at least be able to provide senior level Government Ministers, faces wreathed in smiles, who "understand".