Shaking the hands of strangers and rivals is one of the oldest signs of respect and peaceful intent
The Olympic Games are supposed to embody peaceful friendship among peoples. Shaking the hands of strangers and rivals is also one of the oldest signs of peaceful intent. The British Olympic Association's advice to UK competitors not to shake hands with rivals and dignitaries at the London Games is thus bizarre and outrageous. The association says the threat of illness to performance means that competitors should avoid unnecessary contact, including handshakes. This advice is offensive on multiple counts. It elevates individual self-interest, Ayn Rand style, above all other objectives. It subverts the universal ideals on which the Olympics pride themselves. It opens British athletes to accusations of insulting and, make no mistake about it, racist behaviour. And it won't work anyway. Does the BOA want these to be remembered as the unfriendly games? It should welcome handshakes all round this summer – and damn the consequences.