As Olympics is a very important worldwide traditional event that people watch and participate in, the games become more than simply a competition between individuals. The more important factors that these individuals face is the pressure of representing their country in means of at least placing. This clearly displays the amount of stress that is taking over in someone causing them to act and aim for the winning spot.
One thing everyone has been taught is acquiring good sportsmanship whether it involves sports, job, etc. No matter how intense the competition may get or despite the distraught of placing below, having the strength to push through and congratulate the opponent makes you develop as a person and end the game fairly. Recently in Rio De Janeiro, Egyptian Islam El Shehaby and Israeli Ori Sasson competed in a Judo match, a type of Japanese martial arts. Sasson proceeded to win an automatic victory with two throws, with merely a minute remaining. As a symbol of good sportsmanship, Sasson reached out his hand as civil gesture. Challenging this act, Shehaby was reluctant and only gave a small nod and ignored the handshake, walking off the mat. Considering it was the Olympics, a simple bow was mandatory, displaying the respectful gesture.
The Olympics is a considered an intense competition, although it had lasting impressions within the interactions each of the players made with their opponents. An opponent is not the enemy but someone who is competing with you in a clean and fair competition. Yes, most people would like to win, however this should not define a person. The general vibe that was given off in this certain situation was that he was clearly not pleased that his opponent won, letting his feelings in before his judgement.
Some say that the lack of sportsmanship was also due to the reluctance of the two countries, Israel and Egypt not being as friendly with one another. According to the LA Times, someone even commented, “You dishonor Islam if you lose to Israel.”
By having these comments thrown around, it could definitely put someone into higher pressure especially since it involved their country as a whole, aimlessly making them focus on one goal and that is to beat the opponent. Yes, he should have acted and showed courtesy if not for himself but his country as a sign of respect of a fair game, however it was clear that he acted under pressure with mounts of stress. As of now, they are attempting to figure out whether or not to take further action for the disrespect shown nationally.
