Right to continue Olympics

Officials of the Atlanta Olympics made the correct decision to proceed with the games after a deadly bomb blast early Saturday afternoon Thailand time.

That this decision was made quickly and apparently unanimously is even more encouraging. The explosion was a tragedy for many. But any delay or postponement of the Olympics themselves would have deepened the tragedy further.

Worse, it would have been a clear defeat for the world's greatest celebration of sport and peaceful struggle. The tragedy of the pipe bomb blast itself cannot be lost. Two persons died and more than 100 were injured, some of them seriously.

Lives were lost, shattered and changed in the instant of the explosion. The cowardly bomb-maker, when he is caught, cannot be made to suffer as badly as his victims -- more's the pity. Over all sports venues around Atlanta yesterday, Olympics and U.S. flags flew at half mast in recognition of the deaths and distress.

This was the correct response to Saturday's bomb. In the face of the crude weapon and the cowardly manner of its use, it would be extremely unwise to delay the Games themselves.

To allow the bomb-placer the satisfaction of such an interruption would be to give him far more respect then he deserves -- which is none at all.

Olympics organizers were quick to reassert who owns the Games: the athletes and the billions around the world who marvel at, and cheer, their efforts.

What was important on Saturday was the quick decision to continue the Olympics. As a result, the 60 million citizens of Thailand were able to rejoice at the victory of their fourth athlete to reach the last eight in the boxing tournament.

It was only 12 hours between the tragedy and shock of the deadly bomb blast and the victory of young Somluck Kamsing, who has carried our national colors and pride so well.

To delay or to deny Somluck, other athletes and spectators in this case would be wrong. The only recognition the bomber deserves is the attention of police, the courts and the officials at the prison where he must end up.

The director general of the International Olympic Committee, Francois Carrard, was exactly right to declare that, "The Games will go on".

-- The Bangkok Post