Olympic athletes aren't responsible for changing China

Following the protests that disrupted the Olympic torch's visit to London on Sunday, April 6th, Jim White defends the athletes caught in the middle of a geo-political conflict. "Judging by the anger being expressed yesterday, it was as if sports people are the only ones consorting with the Chinese ... Why is no one asking questions [of] the banks opening up branches in Shanghai... ? How come only sport is required to display a conscience ? ... The presence of the games in China will do far more to highlight the country's human rights deficiencies than any other single event in a decade. Without the embarrassing and chaotic scenes in London yesterday, few would have thought about Tibet, and its plight would certainly not have been leading the news bulletins all day. As it made its way past the banner-wavers and chanters yesterday, the torch showed us what it does best: cast light into the darkest corners."

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