Uniforms at the Olympics

[muffinino]

The commentators on the dressage have just said that equestrian competitors who are entitled to are not allowed to wear their uniforms for the Olympics this year and that it is the first time this has been enforced - why is this? Is it to do with being PC, H&S, diplomacy, what? Such a shame, I love a man in uniform!

Just realised that first sentence is really long, hope it makes sense!

 

[jesterfaerie]

I think if anything they should encourage uniforms

 

[Maesfen]

If I'm being sceptical I'd say it was because China didn't want them worn, probably sees them as a threat to their authority; they've dictated about everything else haven't they?
I hope they are re-instated for 2012, they've been missed and forces competitors are proud to wear their uniforms, that shouldn't have been denied them.
How many do we have in equestrian alone; the Irish Army boys, the French policeman, the Italian Carabineri and I'm sure there are more.

 

[muffinino]

MFH_09 - How cynical of you! I wholly agree

One of the female British eventers wears one - not sure who it is, though.

 

[Rachel_M]

I agree, the first thing I thought. China being such a military power, and add the fact of all the up rises at the moment, would want to keep the competition as neutral as possible.

 

[Maesfen]

[ QUOTE ]
MFH_09 - How cynical of you! I wholly agree

One of the female British eventers wears one - not sure who it is, though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I knew there was a better word than sceptical, just couldn't 'find' it!

 

[Pinkwellies2]

I commented to OH on this as seeing Lt Geoff Curran as Geoffrey Curran threw me a bit, then of course he was in civvies, did at one point think it was a different guy but that would have been too much of a coincedence

 

[Ezme]

During the eventing dressage mike tucker commented on how a riding had apparently "elected" to not wear their uniforms and he didn't know why. This must of been it

 

[custard]

[ QUOTE ]
If I'm being sceptical I'd say it was because China didn't want them worn, probably sees them as a threat to their authority; they've dictated about everything else haven't they?

[/ QUOTE ]

You're probably spot on tbh, what's the betting they will be banned in London for fear of upsetting some religious minority or other, gah!

 

[wishfulthinking]

I thought it was an IOC rule but I'm not really sure just remember a bit of talk about it here when it was announced Geoff couldn't wear his in Hong Kong.

 

[Lobelia_Overhill]

I'd have thought that since the Olympics are about peace and harmony and you represent your country not a sponsor, owner or similar - then you'd wear "civvies"