The Pan American Games do not start until Friday, but the US delegation has already found itself in a controversy after a phrase that Brazilians considered prejudiced and demeaning appeared on a message board at the US media center here.
"Welcome to the Congo!" were the offending words written on a white board, photographed by a Brazilian journalist and published by the principal daily newspaper in Rio, O Globo, last week.
The publicity has led to an outpour of anti-American sentiment, which has not been assuaged by a US press aide's explanation that the comments were meant as a reference to a heat wave here and nothing more.
"It's really unbelievable," the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Cesar Maia, said in a telephone interview on Monday. "He's scored a goal for the opposition, right at a time when the image of the United States and its government, for the reasons we are all aware of, is highly unpopular, and the United States is trying to improve that image through sports. The US wants to show it is not an imperial country, and along comes this guy to exacerbate that image."
More than 5,500 athletes from 42 countries and dependencies are scheduled to compete in more than 30 sports during the 15th Pan American Games, which conclude July 29 and are viewed as one of the last significant international events before the 2008 Olympics next summer in Beijing.
The US delegation consists of more than 600 athletes and about 300 support personnel, with Puerto Rico sending a separate delegation of more than 200 competitors.
Brazil spent more than US$1.5 billion on preparation and new facilities -- including construction of new stadiums, arenas and an athletes village -- and was sensitive about any suggestion that its performance was substandard. Brazilian government and civic officials are hoping that a successful staging of the games will strengthen their bids to win the 2016 Summer Olympics for Rio and the FIFA World Cup throughout Brazil in 2014.
In addition, Brazilians have historically reacted with vehemence to anything they have seen as attacks on their dignity and self-respect, especially when Americans have been involved. Ronald Reagan was roundly criticized when he visited Brasilia in 1982 and offered a toast to "the people of Bolivia."
When The Simpsons television program broadcast a satirical episode in 2002 portraying Rio de Janeiro as full of wild animals, street criminals and sexually voracious residents, a formal protest campaign was mounted here.
"With respect to your phrase, typical of Americans who have serious problems with world geography, a piece of advice: GO BACK HOME!" one irate Rio resident wrote in a letters column published by O Globo. "You're not welcome here, or in the Congo either."
The US Olympic Committee (USOC) has responded to the incident by issuing a formal apology "to the people of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro for the regrettable actions."
In addition, Kevin Neuendorf, the employee who was photographed working at his desk in front of the message board, "has been dismissed from the delegation and sent home," said Darryl Seibel, a spokesman for the USOC.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely