Tanking in the Olympics: Should Tanking in the Olympics Be Frowned Upon?

As many have heard by now, eight female double badminton players were disqualified from the London Olympics after what was a clear attempt to throw away a match to receive better seeding, and more favorable matchups. According to CBS Sports: 

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"The Badminton World Federation investigated two teams from South Korea and one each from China and Indonesia. It accused them of "not using one's best efforts to win a match" and "conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport" in matches Tuesday night."

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As Olympic officials demand investigations into whether or not the players were encouraged or ordered by coaches to throw away the game, should tanking be a non-issue in the Olympics, even if it were for a more favorable seeding? 

The simple answer, is NO. 

It is well known that in some major sports, tanking is common in order to receive benefits such as higher draft picks or better seeding for a more favorable schedule. Although common in sports, the Olympics is no place for such matter. Quite frankly, even the thought of tanking is a disgrace to the Olympics and an athlete's nation which he or she represents.

The Olympics happens only every four years, and it globally known as one of the ultimate honors in representing a country.

The most prestigious and most watched sporting event in the world (yes, bigger than even the Super Bowl), represents the hard work and dedication that an athlete puts into representing one's nation, and bringing people within a nation together, to root for the same team and bring a sense of unity in a nation.

However, in the past week, people all over the world witnessed a clear disregard for Olympic values and traditions, as these athletes have brought disgrace to not only their countries, but also the competition that lies within the Olympics. 

It was clear that the Chinese players were attempting to throw the game away, as the shuttlecocks were being hit both long and wide, with the longest rally of the match only lasting four strokes. This led other teams to do the same, deliberately lose and receive a more favorable position in the second round.

The argument can be made, however, that the players were simply trying to secure an easier matchup, and play a more favorable opponent in the second round. The Olympics is the pinnacle of sports; the ultimate area of competition. By throwing away a game in the Olympics, isn't there a feeling of under accomplishment even if the athletes were to win in the next round? 

On such a global and prestigious stage, by tanking a game, these athletes simply took the easy way out. They did not want to challenge themselves to a level of competition where they could win in a fair manner. The Olympics is about representing your country with honor, and putting yourself in position to win a medal for your country. There is no honor and pride if one takes the easy way out, just sheer disgrace. 

The actions of these athletes were unacceptable, and the International Olympic Committee must hand down consequences to expel tanking from the Olympics. 

We are all taught at a young age to do our best, and in sports, especially in the Olympics, it is no different. One must beat the best, to be the best. Heck, isn't it competition is what makes sports so enjoyable?

It is the accomplished feeling of defeating others in a matchup, to prove that you are the best, that makes sports so pleasurable. By beating all opposition in competition and coming out first is what is gratifying about sports, and is what the Olympic games are all about.