Russia's Eurotrash Olympics

Even some Americans were offended when commentator Mike Milbury excoriated Russia for their ‘Eurotrash game’ against Canada. But what other way was there to describe the studied, ironic detachment of Ovechkin, or the arrogance and entitlement of that underachieving yet pampered sore-loser- Plushenko.

Not even his self-awarded Platinum Medal (NO JOKE!) could prevent the end of Russia’s half-century dominance in the sport, or his own countrymen from turning away in disgust from their former hero.

And, although Plushenko called Lysacek ““not a true champion” because he had won without performing a difficult quadruple jump”, the grace and sharpness of the American’s simple reply proved otherwise: ‘I guess I was a little disappointed that someone who was my role model would take a hit at me in probably one of the most special moments of my life’. Ouch.

How has it come to this?

Some have blamed the giant brain drain of talented coached, which has decimated the talent pool and drawn the best talent away from Russia. Others have pointed to the dilapidated training and equipment conditions, the lack of resources.

However, while true, these factors have existed since the early 1990s, when Russians remained comfortably in front. In fact, if anything, the training conditions, money, and access to coaches have all improved over the years as the country has grown richer, more stable, and more internationally integrated; yet the country’s Olympic results have trended in the opposite direction.

Curiously, Alexander Arkhangelsky has suggested that this might be a good thing. Because Olympic success typically favours either outright dictatorships (USSR, China) or full democracies (USA, Germany), Russia’s current Olympic “disgrace is evidence of the fact that our poor-rich country has not degraded into unequivocal tyranny”. That’s nice!

No, the real reason for the country’s sporting slump has been not Russia’s poverty, but it’s growing decadence. The country once known for its ascetic, Spartan and collectivist approach to sport is now all individual superstars, image and glam: its modern heroes ‘have turned into a fun-loving group that is a great host’.

For example, in Turin, what the Russian team lacked in medals they made up for in epic parties.

All this has led one Russian commentator to remark that in terms of discipline, work ethic, and team work, the Russians and the Canadians had switched places!

Indeed, while all the hype and champagne (or, in Arshavin’s case, some fine, pre-match cognac n’ sheeshah) was steadily getting to the Russians’ heads, the Americans and Canadians kept theirs down at the training ranch.

The results are clear and inevitable.