I knew I had seen the word "boycott" attached to the women's hockey world championships which are currently taking place in China. You know why I love Canada? Because they get it. Because the athletes and administrators (ok--not all of them are as aware I would hope but...)there are not insisting that sports and politics don't mix; that athletes should not be political; that going to China to participate in an international is entirely unproblematic.
Because while"the International Ice Hockey Federation sees no reason not to go ahead with the first women's world hockey championship in Asia."
and notes:
"The situation does not affect the women's championship," an IIHF spokesman said.
Some in Canada do see the issues. Team veteran Hayley Wickenheiser said
Of course no one really considered a boycott saying things like it's important that Asia host an international hockey event for the first time, and because it's a team sport it's harder for hockey players to dissent, etc.
Oh well, at least most recognize that sports are political and athletes are not exempt from thinking about humans rights issues.
And in other news that I really didn't miss because it just happened, Wickenheiser has been named one of Sports Illustrated's top 25 toughest athletes. She is one of only two women to make the list. I think it's a pretty big deal that a female hockey player made the list over a host of other female athletes who get much more publicity and whose sports receive more attention.
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