By LJDemissieIntroduction:
The Olympic spirit is built on values of excellence, friendship, and respect. However, the current President of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, has consistently demonstrated a misguided emphasis on participation over winning. This misalignment with Olympic values, combined with his misrepresentation of Eliud Kipchoge’s views on participation and disconnection from Ethiopian athletes’ competitive spirit, necessitates his resignation.
The Misalignment:
Dr. Woldegiorgis’s insistence that participation is more important than winning contradicts the Olympic Charter’s emphasis on striving for excellence. This stance neglects the significance of achievement and progress in sports, which is a core Olympic value. By prioritizing participation over excellence, Dr. Woldegiorgis fails to support Ethiopian athletes in their pursuit of greatness.
Misrepresenting Eliud Kipchoge:
Dr. Woldegiorgis has misquoted Eliud Kipchoge’s book, misrepresenting his stance on participation vs. winning. This is a clear attempt to justify his own misguided views by exploiting the reputation of a renowned athlete. Kipchoge’s achievements are a testament to the importance of striving for excellence, which Dr. Woldegiorgis seemingly disregards.
Disconnection from Ethiopian Athletes:
Ethiopia has a rich history of producing world-class athletes who compete to win, not just participate. Dr. Woldegiorgis’s stance is out of touch with the competitive spirit of Ethiopian athletes, who have made significant sacrifices to excel in their respective sports. By ignoring their drive for excellence, Dr. Woldegiorgis fails to support and empower these athletes.
Conclusion:
Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis’s leadership is not in the best interest of Ethiopian Olympic athletes and the Olympic movement. His misalignment with Olympic values, misrepresentation of Eliud Kipchoge’s views, and disconnection from Ethiopian athletes’ competitive spirit necessitate his resignation. It’s time for new leadership that embodies the true spirit of the Olympics and supports Ethiopian athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
Call to Action:
I urge the Ethiopian Olympic Committee to take immediate action and replace Dr. Woldegiorgis with a leader who aligns with Olympic values and supports the country’s athletes in their quest for greatness. Only then can Ethiopia truly thrive in the Olympic arena and inspire future generations to strive for excellence.
Contact the writer: LJDemissie@yahoo.com or @LJ
Demissie
