Letters | At Olympic trials, let Hong Kong swimmers make waves before cheering crowds
- Readers discuss the public not being allowed to attend a swimming qualification event for the Paris Games, and tapping mainland stars as a tourist draw
In several countries, the Olympic trials are open to the public and often sold out. This year in the United States, the demand has been so great that the Olympic trials for swimming will be held at a football stadium which seats over 60,000 people, with the use of temporarily installed pools.
The Sports Institute, which has a swimming venue with seating for 1,500 people, has done a great disservice to both today’s athletes and tomorrow’s. It thwarted a chance for athletic development through competitions with cheering audiences, and for up-and-coming swimmers to be inspired by their heroes.
With government funds being spent on top athletic performance, and Mr Lee’s vision of the Olympics being watched by everyone, this is another example of Hong Kong institutions not hearing each other’s calls to action.
Why does this policy exist? Is it related to outdated health worries about public interaction or the hope of creating a bubble of safety, although this will never be replicated in any other city or event?
If such a policy is needed at the Sports Institute, perhaps such events should be organised in pools outside the institute as there are enough in Hong Kong of high quality that can be used for Olympic qualifying-type competitions.
Sports and athletes can change the world if given the chance to inspire those who are able to see them perform. This is why Mr Lee is bringing the 2024 Olympics to Hong Kong’s audience without pay-per-view barriers. It would therefore be great for the Sports Institute to follow that lead, optimising its events and the competition skills of athletes and those in the city who might be inspired by them.
Douglas Woodring, inductee, International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
Bring mainland stars to Hong Kong
Hong Kong can consider building a Coliseum II to host concerts by top mainland artists, which would surely draw millions of fans, promoting both tourism and cultural exchange.
Edmond Pang, Fanling