Life of Riley: The rat race

The rat race

— We sure are, Bruce.

What's your feeling on this one coming up — it's a pretty mixed bag
isn't it?

— Oh yeah. There's no qualifying process with this one. I don't know
what the IOC we're thinking. Everyone and their dog's in it. Just look
at that field!

Yeah. But the favourites would have to be the Europeans.

— Or the Americans. They've come into this race with a buoyant greenback
and a fine track record.

That's right. But don't forget the Europeans have clumped together this
year. There's a lot of experience there.

— Sure. They invented the game. But the Americans have been consistent
performers. You gotta admit that. They've fought off every major
challenge since the 1939/45 games.

But they are having trouble keeping up their form. While they've got
Bill Gates, they're carrying a few injuries.

— Not enough to really impact on their times. Word around the village
has it that the international monetary system is basically theirs — they
own it! That must count for something.

And aside from the top chances?

— Well, the whole Asian Tiger thing seems to have had its day. In an
event like this, experience counts. It's not a race that lends itself to
a quick spurt. You gotta stay with the pack. Wear the competition down.
I wasn't one to get all excited about those newcomers a few years back.

But they had an edge for a time, surely?

— Yeah. They looked good. Coming up from the outside lane like they
did got the crowd on its feet. For a time they were saying you could run
a race like that. But look at 'em now. You gotta go with the big boys.

So it's a cert?

— Yeah. It's a cert. Look at Africa or Asia or Latin America — there's
nothing to get excited about. Their competitive edge is in the toilet.
There is no way in Hades countries there are going to end up in the top
four or five. No way.

What about Japan?

— Lucky. Now there's a team that hit form at the right time. I don't
want to take it away from them in anyway — Japan has been a great little
performer — but I can't see it being Japan's year for a win.

Any predictions?

— In a race like this I call it as I see it.

So the winner will be?

— Profits. Comes first every time.

BY DAVE RILEY.

From GLW issue 423