For as long as I can remember, I have always looked forward to the Olympics, and the summer Olympics are my favorite. If they were a holiday, I would rank them close on the heels of Thanksgiving and Christmas. That is how happy they make me. I love watching the competitions and hearing all the inevitably sentimental stories of what the athletes have gone through to get there. I am fascinated by the 14-year-old gymnasts and the 41-year-old swimmers making a fifth Olympic appearance. Their stories are that much more intriguing to me because, for the most part, unlike pro sports (in my opinion) the Olympics are more about honor, guts, and glory and less about mega fame and fortune.
My favorite sports to watch are the most graceful ones--diving, gymnastics, and in the winter, figure skating. I can't even do a cartwheel, so I am captivated by the performances of people who (literally) stretch the limits of the human body.
But the buzz doesn't seem to be as big this year. Of course, criticism of China/Beijing has been eating up more of the press time, whether that criticism has to do with human rights concerns, pollution, or media censorship. And on top of that, it seems more and more athletes are failing drug tests. That honor I mentioned a few sentences ago? It seems like it's becoming as polluted as the streets of Beijing. Of course, this does not apply to all athletes, but like pollution, corruption can cast an ugly fog over everyone involved. Will our finest athletes ever again be free from our suspicion? I'd like to think so, but this is just one reason the thrill seems to be subsiding.
How does the Olympics, and this year's in particular, rate for you? Are you looking forward to watching any particular sport or athlete?
8 comments:
The only times I have ever noticed the Olympics were happening were:
1. The year I was old enough to realize how sexy male gymnasts are. I think it was a year you made me watch it.
2. 2004 when I was in Athens and the city was in full on Olympic preparation.
3. My mom's mini-crush on Michael Phelps.
Other than that I don't care. I appreciate the Olympic for what it tries to be, but I think the countries fail so often to keep that ideal that it's just disappointing. The 1972 Munich Massacre? The response to the 1968 Power Salute by America? And then of course, there is the 1936 Berlin Olympics. There's just such a rich history of bigotry.
Even now, a developing country is having a big moment, and all we can do is criticize and find fault. And I most definitely agree about the drug testing. Because even though there aren't multi billion dollar contracts going in, the winner's still have their choice of endorsement deals, generally worth several hundred thousand dollars.
So, no, for me the thrill is not gone, because said thrill never existed. For me it's the same bread and circuses bs, just wrapped up prettily.
I'm not much for watching the olympics either... of coure, if it is on and I don't have anything else to do then sure, I'll watch. I used to like gymnastics back when it was graceful and beautiful... now it's just a bunch of superyoung stickfigures bending and jumping so they look like they're about to break at any moment. I dunno, I guess it all just became so competitive and so commercial... and it took away from the magic of it.
Or maybe I just got older and no longer believe in magic and fairytale endings and the like. Funny how I compare the olymics to stories of princesses and knights in shining armour... But there was a time I believed wholeheartedly in both.
Ha. I probably did make you watch the Olympics, Katherine. I knew you would be in the "never was a thrill" category. Oh well, I tried. You know, another reason I find the Olympics fascinating is because it is a world stage. Something as simple as athletics can make people all over the world aware of politics and human rights issues. Yes there is bigotry, but it opens up dialogue for people who might not otherwise consider such important issues and hopefully empowers many others to act for peace.
Shannon, haven't gymnasts always been super young and thin? I really don't remember anything else, but you made me curious so I looked it up. Wikipedia says teenagers began to become more frequent competitors in the 70s. It goes on to say, "By the time the 1992 Olympics rolled around, elite competitors consisted almost exclusively of 'pixies'—underweight, prepubertal teenagers—and concerns were raised about athlete welfare. And it looks like my remark about a 14-year-old gymnast was a bit exaggerated. Apparently elite international competitors must be at least 16. After Kerri Strug, I think I will always associate gymnastics with magic.
Hi Lisa! Your new blog is really fun! I'm enjoying reading all your thoughts:)
Personally, I LOVE the Olympics! They're so exciting! I really love watching the Today Show during the Olympics! They always do crazy things! I'm especially excited for this year because we just returned from Beijing so I'm already recognizing things! YAY! Woah, way too many exclamation points!:):)
Anyways, hope you and Justin are doing well! We miss you guys! Keep up the good blogging:) xoxo, Haley
I too have also loved the Olympics :) I can remember when i was really young my parents would let me sleep on the pull out couch in the living room just so i could stay up a little later and watch the gymnasts. I also love looking at people from all around the world..is that strange..oh well :)I have noticed that the buzz has died down in the past couple of years, but not for me it hasnt ...I've even been waking up early just to watch the Today Show :)
No, we have had a wonderful time! I'm just used to having a lot more time to myself. The only Carter issue was one night when he came downstairs three times after I put him to bed. But that was just once. Otherwise he's been an angel (as usual. He's so weird.).
I love that you mentioned the Today Show, Haley and Laura! I also get really excited about watching its Olympic coverage. It's one of the few times I watch the Today Show--for the Olympics and around Christmastime. Good good stuff.
Thanks for the compliment, Haley. I've kept up a little bit with your time in Asia. I'm glad you and Todd had such a good time there. Todd will be home before you know it!
I do love gymnastics. And swimming is okay to watch too. And my comments about the gymnastics girls may have been a little unfair :) They have always been thin and your comment was correct that for awhile it was REALLY bad... which makes me think they're still unhealthy. In actuality this current team is very amazing--thin, yes, but strong and graceful and careful about the way they're portraying themselves to the youth of the world.
I've been watching more than I had intended to, but when it's everywhere I can't fully get away from it. Still, though, even with gymnastics, I won't specifically turn on the tv to watch it. *shrugs* Enjoy the rest of the games!
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