Who thinks 2 spots is better than 1 in the Olympics?

It seems like a very simple answer...the more athletes from your country at the Olympics the better.  Yea, yea...I know...it is not about participation but about performance here in Canada, but when we are talking about a developing country I think that it is very important that they qualify as many athletes as possible.  This increases the countries exposure to the world and increases the sports exposure within the country.  The National Sport Governing body would also probably give the sport more money in the future if more athletes represent their country at the Olympics.  We all know that the Olympics are the pinnacle for many sports including triathlon and most kids involved in sport dream of one day representing their country in the greatest sporting event in the World.

OK, so why am I making a big deal about all this?  Well yesterday was the African Triathlon Championships.  Every continent has a Championship this year and the winner of each race earns their country a spot on the start line in Beijing.  Well it just so happens that South Africa has a exceptionally fast athlete that is ranked in the top 25 in the Olympic Rankings which guarantees him a spot on the start line without winning the Continental Championships.  BUT no athlete can earn their country two spots in Beijing, only one spot per athlete.  

So when this athlete went ahead and won the African Championships by 10 seconds ahead of HIS OWN COUNTRYMAN it made absolutely no sense at all.  If he let his countryman win the race, that would have guaranteed South Africa two spots in Beijing if that athlete kept his ranking high enough throughout the rest of the year up until Worlds in Vancouver (last race for qualification).  If he was worried about maybe getting injured later on this year and falling way down the rankings and not earning a spot on his own, I bet that South Africa would have choose him over his countryman who earned the spot to represent South Africa at the Olympics because he is a much better triathlete.  I just do not get why he wouldn't let the other guy finish ahead of him, he was just 10 seconds behind.  Surely their National Federation talked to him about this beforehand, it would have been in their best interest.  Maybe they just did not know about this rule, but can they be that ignorant about something so big?  Maybe he wanted money and the other athlete or the National Federation did not pay him?  But could someone be that selfish towards another athlete from their country?  I bet that other athlete had the same dreams as him growing up...in fact, I bet he has the same dreams as that other athlete NOW!  Maybe this athlete wants to be the only male triathlete from his country at the Olympics because he likes all the attention and fame?  But can someone be such a prima donna when so much is on the line?  Maybe he just likes winning...then who could blame him!

I feel sorry for the athlete that came in second, actually, I feel sorry for the whole country of South Africa.  When someone has an opportunity to do good for their country it should be second nature to take that opportunity and use it.  I invite this athlete to come and train with our group sometime to see what being a teammate is all about.  The offer is always open.