Image via Wikipedia
Thanks to observant reader Patti Hurgen!
We have all done it. You stubb your toe, you miss a golf shot, you hit your finger with a hammer, and you use an expletive.
Well, a young pole vaulter paid the ultimate price, in my mind, this past week. Finishing third in the pole vault, the athlete let out, what sounds like a four letter word, as he missed his final attempt in the pole vault.
Officials noted that his behavior violated the State rules, as the official interpreted them. The athlete was disqualified, and his team, in losing his points, lost the high school state championship in California for track & field.
I am not sure how I feel about this. His behavior is not acceptable, however, hurting his team, his coach, his school is a bit much. They could have just stoned the kid, as this went from a learning moment to a moment of therapy.
What do you think? Tell me, please. Write me at r[email protected].
But, as you read this, make sure every high school and college coach in the country puts this article on their bulletin board.
Lesson of the day: Control your language.
Read the story for yourself!
This is a complete travesty. This kid should notyhave been DQ’d for expressing her emotions. She has worked very hard to get where she is and to take away a possible CIF crown. Let the punishment fit the crime.