British 400m relay runner in Beijing directly mocks his opponents? Should there be consequences?

Question

Britain's Martyn Rooney risked the wrath of IOC president Jacques Rogge after he taunted his nearest challengers from the Bahamas and Jamaica as he crossed the line first in the men's 4x400m semi-final.

It's one thing to celebrate like Usain Bolt...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/08/22/article-0-024E667300000578-936_468x286.jpg

.. but it's another thing to directly mock your opponents like this British runner did (which I was very offended by it, even though I am not from Jamaica or Bahamas)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/08/22/article-0-0261FD9B00000578-534_468x357.jpg

Should this be acceptable? and where should the line be drawn?

Personally, if someone clowns around like Bolt, that's fine. But at least he doesn't insult his opponents like the British athlete did!

any thoughts?

Answer 1

he's a winner, and winners can do whatever they want, everybody loves a winner.  

Answer 2

Rooney's a p****, his Brits won't win anything in their finals, Jamaica was probably using their high school students.

Answer 3

Yes I just finished watching that as well and that is very disrespectful if you are on a large stage like the olympics you should be have better if not excellent sportsmanship he acted like a 10 year old with that taunting. It should be addressed

Answer 4

It was just a qualifying heat. The Jamaicans will make him pay in the finals... as will the Bahamians, in all likelihood.

Answer 5

He was stupid to do that, it just motivates the other teams.

Answer 6

Well all the swimmers do it, Look at te USA team every time, There was nothing in that. All it was "Come on boys " who cares its all part of the games.

They deserve it.... All work hard

Answer 7

there should be consequences and repercussions

Answer 8

He should be warned if being disqualified is too harsh. And if he and another running ties the race, he should be the one to get silver, or the lesser medal, or none at all.