#BTColumn – Olympians renew political atmosphere

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by Ociel Alí López

The achievements at Tokyo 2020 have been recognised by even the most conspicuous radicals on the political spectrum, providing a framework for political dialogue.

Reactions to Venezuela’s successful results at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are indicative of the new atmosphere in the country. Venezuela came 47th in the Olympic medal table, followed by Puerto Rico in 63rd place, Colombia in 66th and the Dominican Republic in 68th.

It is the delegation with the best performance and results that the country has sent to the Olympics, and it was only surpassed by Brazil, which came in 12th place in the medal table; Cuba, in 14th place; and Ecuador, in 38th place.

How is it that Venezuela, a country that has been accused of suffering an intense humanitarian crisis, ends up being the fourth best performing nation in the region at Tokyo 2020, ahead of sporting powers such as Mexico and Argentina, not to mention Colombia, with whom it has always been at loggerheads in sporting terms.

Venezuela won one gold medal and three silver medals.

In contrast, for example, the Chilean delegation did not win any medal. Neither did countries such as Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Bolivia, Panama and Paraguay.

With this comparison, it can be said that Venezuela has become a sporting power in this Olympic cycle, which teaches a lesson to those governments that until recently called for its intervention due to the “destruction” suffered by the country.

A new atmosphere

But the surprise is not limited to the result, but expands to the fervour of unity that this sporting event has produced among different political tendencies. Years ago, when Venezuelan athlete Yulimar Rojas won, social media and some politicians exploded against her for having declared herself a Chavez supporter. On this occasion, her achievements in Tokyo 2020 have been recognised even by the most conspicuous radicals, who had to congratulate her and rejoice at her triumph.

Venezuelan athlete Julio Mayora’s celebration

The one who did meet with a lot of resistance was weightlifting silver medallist Julio Mayora, who dedicated his medal to former President Hugo Chávez, which generated hateful reactions against him from some sectors of the opposition.

The weightlifter, with the medal in his hand, told President Nicolás Maduro: “Really, this silver medal is for President Hugo Chávez.” On social media, radicals exploded in rejection to his statements, but opposition politicians preferred to maintain their support on this occasion for the athlete and celebrated his unexpected success.

After Mayora, two other Venezuelans won silver, BMX cyclist Daniel Dhers and weightlifter Keydomar Vallenilla, and then came the gold medal of Yulimar Rojas, with her world record included.

These triumphs made the tense atmosphere give way to what has been the first event that has united all political sectors. This had not been seen in any social or sporting sphere in recent years, as they were always impacted by political interpretations.

The most radical right-wing politicians in exile had to swallow their pride and congratulate the athletes, one by one, and with that they had to accept, even if only momentarily, that Venezuela is not a scenario in which “military intervention is necessary in order to rescue some starving Venezuelans.”

On this occasion, the results have shown that there is a process of depolarisation that allows for all political sides to celebrate a national victory, even when the protagonists have identified themselves as Chavistas or opponents.

“Let’s stop the intensity with the political topic.”

But what was most interesting about the climate generated by the sporting success was the degree of unity and fraternity with which the Venezuelan people took the news.

It was also very recomforting the way in which the victorious Venezuelan athletes referred to Venezuela, in terms of joy and in a totally positive way. The pitiful speeches about the country have been overcome during this
Olympic month, in which politics has given way to sport.

The stage is also propitious. This month, politicians from the government and the opposition have begun a roundtable discussion in Mexico, thanks to the mediation of the host country and the Kingdom of Norway. The meeting also contributes to a less quarrelsome political climate, despite the fact that the economic crisis is still being felt very acutely.

The Venezuelan Olympic athlete’s appeal in response to the attacks he received on social media for talking to Maduro, meanwhile, made clear what many think about the relationship between sports and politics, especially when the latter always ends up generating a lot of conflict and little union.

“Let’s stop the intensity with the political topic. We want to do things for Venezuela, regardless of political leanings.

We have to focus on the new kids, on the new generation. It’s about doing things for our society. He added: “We do sports and sports has to be neutral.”

The now medallist commented, after the call with the president, and some of the insults he received: “Get over it, bro. I think I was most cordial and whether it comes from the government side or the opposition, as long as it is sports related, they can call me, and I don’t have to close the door on anyone if they want to do things related to sports.”

Beyond the virtual skirmishes, for the first time in years, an atmosphere of cordiality towards the athletes and enthusiasm for each of the participations reigned in Venezuela.

This shows a new post-political climate, which presents an opportunity to strengthen the political negotiations that started in Mexico last week.

Ociel Alí López is a sociologist, political analyst and professor at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. He won the 2015 Municipal Literature Prize with his book Dale más gasolina and the Clacso/Asdi prize for young researchers in 2004. He is a contributor to various media in Europe, the United States and Latin America.