Olympic pride too expensive

I agree with the author of the article in saying that Australia can be proud of achievements in other fields equally. A look at the Australian inventions since European settlement shows a number of achievements in other fields. But, Australia is only the second last in public spending on education according to recent reports comparing other developed nations and this can be considered a matter of concern. (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/10/2360520.htm)

There are some people including me who do not take a keen interest in sporting and the thrill that accompanies seeing one’s country in the top 25. For such people it might seem ridiculous to spend $50 million on a gold medal that brings little more than the dazzling pride to nationals. Nonetheless, being a developed country Australia can still afford it. For the sporting image of Australia and the pain staking efforts of the athletes who won the gold, spending money for Olympics seems deserving. Performance wise Australia looks neat at 46 medals. But, to what extent can this be considered an important achievement to a country’s economic and social growth. Is something else in the country more deserving of attention? Or is national pride more deserving of public expenditure?