[theo_luddite]

I somewhat agree with Devon on that stubborn mule, apparently they choose enough show ponies so that each gets ridden by 2 competitors, but there always seems to be one in every competition that is a stubborn mule.

Now, I either read, or heard on the 24 hour Beeb Beeb Ceeb repeats of the same 5 or 6 clips each day but with different pundits, that the 5 Stages of the Modern Pentathlon are supposedly based on the 5 most important skills that an army Captain should possess.

Seems feasible to me.

Given that said mule had already refused to play ball with one prior competitor, it's highly likely that had the two unfortunates to draw said mule been nowhere near a medal chance, we'd have heard nothing more about it. That said it doesn't excuse the reaction of the German coach - I'm with AmChaff on that one.

Now surely this brings us to two conclusions.

1) in the interests of fair play, said animal should have been quietly withdrawn and both "athletes?" should have been given the chance of a rerun on a more docile show pony .....



























2) any Army Captain worth his salt would have pulled out his pistol and given it a blast of lead between it's ears. If he was French he'd have fed the troops on it for a week.

Unfortunately, it would have to happen to a German wouldn't it?