Globe public editor: The Bilodeaus’ bond deserves the full story

By Sylvia Stead, public editor of The Globe and Mail

My favourite part of the Olympics Games are the human stories behind the medal counts and athleticism.

By Sylvia Stead, public editor of The Globe and Mail

My favourite part of the Olympics Games are the human stories behind the medal counts and athleticism.

This year, so far, we have read a wonderful story by Roy MacGregor about the Dufour-Lapointe sisters, who put that bond ahead of competition and everything else.

Then there was the heart-warming story by Allan Maki about the Canadian coach who gave a despondent Russian cross-country skier a new ski after his shattered in competition.

One of my favourites stories still is about the family of double gold medalist Alexandre Bilodeau and his special bond with his older brother, his hero and greatest fan, Frédéric.

I was surprised to receive an e-mail from a woman who felt that The Globe and Mail should apologize to the “family and all people with cerebral palsy.”

She said that “in today’s day and age, we do not need labels depicting any condition that people may have. It is the basis of what we teach our children in school. Do not label anyone, period.”

She asked what relevance there could be to mention that Frédéric Bilodeau has cerebral palsy. “Relevant in any way? No!!! Did you label him, YES. … Why???

“I sincerely hope you do the right thing and write a retraction with an apology to the Thibaudeau [Bilodeau] family and all families with people who have disabilities. An article written about how labels are not necessary in this day and era would be a great start!”

I believe quite the opposite. It isn’t a label and there is no reason not to explain a visible condition such as cerebral palsy or any disorder, syndrome or illness. In fact, it is noteworthy that Frédéric’s condition is part of the special bond between the brothers. You can see that in the wonderful photos of the brothers celebrating the win together.

To continue reading this column, please visit theglobeandmail.com, where it was originally published.

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