“The only sport I remember seeing this was gymnastics with that Russian coach.”
And thus the Games begin. Our surfers are now, officially, in Tahiti and the joy of anticipation, of brotherhood, of Olympic fervor has instantly devolved for the United States surf team in what must be considered a blunder of historic proportions. As is the rule in our Sport of Kings, communication is generally non-existent. Decisions are made and implemented with zero nod to transparency, explanation or care for The People™ and their feelings on matters.
As such, the aforementioned grouping of John John Florence, Carissa Moore, Griffin Colapinto, Caitlin Simmers and such will be guided, almost exclusively, by Australian coaches.
Shane Dorian was introduced, weeks ago, as captain, somehow replacing Brett Simpson but, apparently, the powers that be decided those flying the green and gold should be responsible for the red, white and blue.
Rage over the move bubbling through the social medias.
Australian hero, and apparent coach, Luke Egan shared his “Team USA” post, replete with flag, to Instagram teeing off the meltdown.
Florence, notably, opting out of the pictoral.
“USA team with Aussie coaches unethical what wrong with Shane Dorian, Tom Curren, or the goat as you call him,” one punter wondered.
“The very reason surfing has sold out so disappointing anything for a dollar, I will never understand greed in such a great sport of surfing ever, congratulations your decision to take a position has turned a nation against you, hopefully other would be so called coaches take notice, pride and passion before coin disgraceful behaviour, it will take a long long time to be forgiven if ever,” another posited.
“So the USA can’t get their own coaches? 😂team AUS-USA,” a third pointed out and on and on it goes.
An extremely well-respected professional close to the levers of power asked, directly to BeachGrit’s royal me, “Why would you give the other teams fuel to run off of….like look they need people from my country or another country to beat me. I did notice JJ wasn’t wanting pics with the Aussies. In Japan Olympics we didn’t have coaches from other countries. The only sport I remember seeing this was gymnastics with that Russian coach.”
The mess, like Adidas’ fumble, is now very public.
Thoughts?
Prayers?
More, in either case, as the story develops.
