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NZ finally gets some medals but discovers no one loves it any more
AUCKLAND, Sept 25 (AFP) - New Zealands Olympic nightmare took a new twist Monday with news that Kiwis are now mud in Japan. It comes on top a sliding dollar, a collapsing economy and a dreadful week of waiting for a pitiful collection of medals while watching big, bossy neighbour Australia do so well. An outraged email from Japan spelled it out: "New Zealand become a hateful country than North Korea." Unnoticed here, New Zealand judo referee Craig Monaghan awarded a crucial yuko or scoring point to Frenchman David Douillet against Japan's Shinichi Shinohara. The Japanese claimed their world champion should have been credited with the point for his counter throw. That lost point Japan a gold in the 100kg division. As much as one would like to be sympathetic, the truth is New Zealanders have a tradition of making a big impact on sports that have little importance at all here. Olympic boxing, for example. Eight years ago the New Zealand referee in a bout in Seoul had to flee the country, under police escort, because of a controversial decision against South Korea. Football is not much of a deal here either, but three months ago the whole football world was in an uproar when the wayward voting of New Zealander Charlie Dempsey (a Scot actually) ensured Germany became the host of the 2006 World World Cup instead of South Africa. That decision offended most of the world, other than Berlin, while Monaghan just seems to have irritated Japan. It might have escaped attention here had it not been for one Okamoto Hidemitsu in an email to the New Zealand Herald. He apologised to the newspaper for his poor English, saying he used translation software, but his hurt feelings were clear enough. "I dont look back upon impoliteness and send such mail," he wrote. "The judgment of judo of Crayg Monagun of your country did the wrongdoing that wasnt afraid of God either. "'It is that referee of the most important last match of Olympics judo 100kg-over not to have an ability suitable as judgment. "Or it is that Crayg Monagun may have been purchased? "It is the bottom of sorrow now during Japan." Sorry Okamoto, none of us here knew. Japanese scribes feel Monaghans role was akin to a Japanese man umpiring a cricket international. Given the way New Zealand plays cricket, and some of the doubtful umpiring that has gone on, its not a bad idea. Okamoto also hinted at another of the worlds great sporting injustices -- with a Kiwi at its centre. "For example, All Blacks of your country was defeated by a foreign country with clear misjudgment ... French opponent player is a victim, too." It wasnt quite like that. During last years Rugby World Cup, Fiji was playing France in a match refereed by New Zealander Paddy OBrien who still cannot take a holiday in Fiji. His erroneous calls ensured France went on to the semi-finals -- to knock out New Zealand. Those who live by the sword. Meanwhile the Olympics remain miserable for New Zealand, languishing with just one gold and three bronze medals -- 31st on the medals table -- against Australias 10 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze medals. But there is hope still -- New Zealands women hockey players are suddenly stars at home and in medal contention despite the unfortunate name of the otherwise completely anonymous goalkeeper. Her name is Helen Clark, the same as the humourless Prime Minister of New Zealand.
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