Feeling Sick

While global competition is a vital part of sport
just how events are organised requires careful thought.
Of course, each country’s different. That must be born in mind
so idealistic principles sometimes get left behind.

Though they agreed to hold World Cups in Moscow and Qatar
ignoring imperfections can sometimes go too far.
Allowances, of course, are made for muscle and for wealth
but even they will draw the line at threats to athletes’ health.

At last week’s big triathlon the danger was made clear
when fifty-seven competitors had sickness and diarrhoea.
They journeyed here across the world to swim at Sunderland
but gulping down ecoli was hardly what they’d planned.

It’s breeding in the water where sewage overflows.
Officials knew, did nothing, but why?  God only knows.
I know no country’s perfect, each has its ups and downs,
but how come we’re a third world state administered by clowns?