V 12 N. 39 Russian Hospitality, in Peace and War

If this is what Paul O'Shea saw in Moscow as a paid up tourist, what can Ukranian POW's expect?

The Horsemen of the Apocalypse Watched Us at the Moscow Worlds

By Paul O’Shea

There’s an old saying: what you are becoming, you will become.

Today we see unimaginable Ukrainian bravery in the face of unspeakable Russian cruelty,

reminding me of Russian control tactics and contempt for the West.

Nine years ago I went to the world track and field championships in Moscow. Almost two

thousand athletes from over two hundred countries participated. It was the world’s biggest

sporting event of the year.

When I first walked into Luzhniki Stadium, the ping of a starting gun, the brilliance of the Air

Force blue running track and the hush trapped inside the arena are sounds and sights I still

remember. 

 Ukrainian athletes performed under their own flag (they competed for Russia in previous

meetings). Ukrainian azure blue and lemon yellow, now so much a part of world concern and

culture, floated over hundreds of supporters. When Ukrainian high jumper Bohan Bondorenko

won his event, though missing at a world record height, cheers rained down to trackside. Their

boisterous fans were some of the best organized followers.

At the end of one day’s events our hosts showed their scorn for the American and British guests

who sat together. While Russian fans quickly left the venue, stadium staff stood shoulder to

shoulder at the bottom of our aisles, blocking us from leaving. They relented, eventually. But

the point was made.

Another exhibition of Russian muscle was more intimidating, more ominous.

Leaving the stadium we walked past Lenin’s statue, three tree-lined blocks to the Sportivnaya

Metro station. When we neared the entrance a phalanx of fifty or so Russian impassive soldiers,

mounted on Triple Crown horses, were packed tightly together on each side of the road. Eerily

quiet, only deep breathing sounds coming from the mouths of the muscular animals were

audible.

I wonder if the horsemen I saw then are participating in today’s special military operation.

What you are becoming, you will become.\

 Very interesting insight by Paul O'Shea.  Strange that the Russian officials were more interested in intimidation than hospitality.  That remains true.  No wonder so many people want to leave Russia. Bill Schnier

Saw this link on ESPN.com while looking for pictures. ed.

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