Thursday, August 28

2008 Olympics

I love the Olympics. I'm always excited when they come around and disappointed when they're over. But it really wouldn't be the same if we had that all the time. It just wouldn't mean as much or be as exciting to watch. I watch it all. All. of. it. If it's on, I watch it - even the synchronized swimming and ping pong.

I especially love to watch the medal ceremonies. To watch (mostly young) people stand with a gold medal and sing their national anthems is really very moving. I love to watch the tales of sportsmanship and finishing even though you are dead last. It's all about being there for most of the athletes.

I don't like professional sports - I really don't like NBA basketball. But, I must say, I heard interviews with the players and coaches of the Olympic basketball team and I am impressed. Maybe it was fake, I don't know. But it felt good for them to win.

And to see what happened in swimming. It made the second week of track and field almost anti-climatic. And to know that some of the swimmers were voluntarily undergoing drug tests - even Michael Phelps.

This time, the controversy was kept to a minimum and the competition was exciting. Some races were close, some games were down to the wire. Some had unexpected outcomes, some were never in doubt. It was an enjoyable two weeks. Now we wait - another 2 years for Winter, 4 for Summer games.

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