Kenya has just taken Gold, Silver and Bronze in the 3000m steeplechase in Athens. Some commentators are saying that the way the winner spurred on his team mates to come 1, 2 and 3 was wrong. Michael Johnson, for some reason part of the BBC team, was a classic example.
Am i wrong in thinking that the Olympics is a team event? The athletes are there to represent their country. Does this mean so little to some present and former athletes that personal performances mean more to them?

No, you're not wrong at all, romeomikegolf. I don't see how the winner encouraging his mates is a bad thing. I thought it was great. I was happy Kenya took the three medals. And if the other two men won the silver and bronze medals is because they deserved it. Good for them!!

I echo those remarks... is there a difference between a countryman egging him on, and the crowd doing the same thing?

The Kenyans have a brilliant record in the steeplechase- Eight games, eight golds, eight different winners. They have also claimed the silver on three occasion, and collected the full set twice!

More power to them, I say!