What is and isn't acceptable in sports by the fans is very funny to analyze.
In the golf competition, many golfers were irate that people's cameras were clicking. as the guy on local sports radio pointed out, what's so special to about golf that you need total silence to do it. Guys get in a box facing a 99 mph fastball all the time with a crowd going nuts against them.
In team sports, you are supposed to cheer loudly for your own team and often boo the other team. Why is the Olympics not like that as well?
I guess it's more competition against yourself so to openly hope someone does bad isn't classy? I didn't see the boos so it's hard to say for sure.
But shouldn't we also be saying that Lavillinie showed a lack of class in complaining about it. When I saw the highlights on NBC, all i saw was the absolute joy by the Brazilian fans and the vaulter was amazing in his interview with Lewis Johnson.
I thought to myself, "What a great moment for the country."
Lavilliinie lost to a guy who broke the Olympic record. The proper thing to do is to tip your cap and say it's a different culture and be magnanimous.
Here are some video highlights without boos
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/brazils-silva-wins-pole-vault-gold-shatters-olympic-record