One trick that is allowed goes like this. There is some kind of substance that they can rub on the horses' forelegs to make the skin more sensitive, so that it hurts more when they hit a barrier. This gives the horse more motivation to jump higher.
Do you speak German? Because the
German wiki has a compilation on these methods - it's generally called "Barren", and the method you described is one of them. There are other ways, it is (or was, not so sure about that) quite common to do it actively. A horse comes near the bar, it jumps and right during the jump two people raise the highest bar so that the horse crashes into the bar and therefore tries to jump as high as possible the next times. It's forbidden - but contrary to the usage of these substances, nobody can prove that with a doping test.
jennylovskt said:
What the human rights got to do with the sports any way?
Well, it's just me, I am not saying that everybody should see it this way. I generally feel better if someone from France, UK, Japan, Ireland or even the US wins. It's hard to explain - but I think of these people at the Olympics as a part of the future in their respective countries, they are influential in their home countries etc. - and seeing them win and waving their flags, talking about how proud they are to achieve this for their country etc. - even if the situation in their countries is abysmal (e.g. Coventry from Zimbabwe) or questionable in terms of human rights (China, Russia, Jamaica, Cuba etc.) - it makes me fee uneasy.
I know that they are not allowed to voice any kind of protest during the medal ceremonies and competitions. But they could say something in an interview or something like that.
Sport is political - it's not supposed to be, but it is. Why else is China trying to impress everyone with their zillion Golds? And why are the US so desperate to win this contest? Because it's about prestige, the success during the games reflects the strength of the country, of the political system.
These athletes they are "campaigning" for their countries - and I wouldn't want to campaign for some of those countries. I know that there is probably not much the athletes can do about this - but I don't have to be happy if they win. These athletes have a certain responsibility (I generally mean athletes aged 21 and above, I doubt you can expect anything from the younger ones), what they say, how they act - has a certain impact.
For example - if Weir was asked what he thought about the political situation in Russia and he would say that he doesn't really care, Russia is still Russia, and that he thinks that the other countries overreact - then I would probably be a bit disgruntled. I would still be able to enjoy his skating - but I possibly would prefer Lambiel winning over Weir from then on. If Plushenko returns I won't be able to cheer for him as I have before his retirement - because I know about his political opinion and activities now.
I know that this makes me a bad sports-fan and a bad figure skating fan (because we are all here to enjoy the skating and athletic + artistic achievements aloone) - but I just can't help it.
I am a huge fan of Kasparov though...
) - but does it have to be China? Why not Australia, France or the UK? I want the US back on top... I just can't be happy if countries like China, North Korea etc. win so much, of course I can be happy for the athlete himself - but it somehow seems a bit bitter at times.
What the human rights got to do with the sports any way?:scratch:
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