I know that Arab-Israeli relations are miserable, but this just makes me sad:

One of Iran’s best hopes for an Olympic medal will not be taking part in the Games after he refused to compete against an Israeli athlete.

World judo champion Arash Miresmaili said he was proud to withdraw in solidarity with the Palestinians.

I’m enough of a realist to understand that these Olympic Games are politicized. But I’m enough of an optimist to think that sport can transcend that. I didn’t like that we boycotted in 1980. I didn’t like that the USSR responded with a boycott in 1984. I believe in the respect that two competitors at the top of their sport can have for each other.

And hey, if the Iranian wanted to show his displeasure with Israeli policies, beat the Israeli, then say something.