So who else is excited about the Olympics???

[KLynn]

I absolutely can't wait for Friday night!!

I just love the Olympics. I love the spirit of it all, the compelling stories of athletes who have worked their whole lives for this opportunity. The competition, the inevitable stories that emerge - people whom no one has heard of now that will be household names in a couple of weeks...

I can't wait!

Who else??

[HUNGRY!]

I love the Olympics! I can't wait either!

[Beth H]

I can't wait - I love the Olympics.

I read somewhere recently that there isn't a lot of "buzz" surrounding the upcoming Games. I certainly hope once they start that people are interested in watching.

[Terri_A]

I, too, love the Games. I am looking forward to friday wholeheartedly. As a former elite athlete, I have to say that the Games brings a touch of sadness to me as I never made it there. Nevertheless, I will sit in my familyroom, in front of my TV and cheer as if I were right there in the stands in Athens.

Man, I love sports! The Olympics and the start of Monday Night Football all in one week....I don't know if I can stand it!

[KLynn]

Wow, which sport, Terri?

[Terrytx]

I am excited too, if for no other reason-there will actually be something good on TV to watch. Real "reality" TV.

[RebeccaT]

I am much more excited about them than usual because of them being in Greece. I am looking forward to the news coverage of that beautiful country.

I am also looking forward to watching the gymnastics. :)

[Grace]

Oooh, ME! ME! ME!!! I'M excited!!! Can't wait! I LOVE the opening ceremonies (still think about the one in Norway....man, that was awesome!). I don't love every event (well, I don't think anyone does), but I'm looking especially forward to the Gymnastics, Diving, Rhythmic Gymnastics and I've never seen Trampoline competitions, but my niece says they're really cool, so I want to watch that too.

I will admit to liking the Winter Olympics more than the Summer ones, but I'll take any Olympics! :D

[tamawrite]

I'm excited, too! We don't watch TV at home (don't even buy cable) so I can only watch what's on when I'm at the gym on the treadmill. All the excitement should improve my running!

[Terri_A]

Klynn,

I was a gymnast from age 4 to 16 when injuries prevented me from continuing. I took up diving in h.s. and although was never "that" good...it was a great sport!

[Jessica]

Me, me, me!!! I love the Olympics even though I do not get excited about sports at any other time. I get into my Olympic mode and start watching TV every night and reading the sports section. I will be traveling during the swimming events, my favorites, but I will try to see some of the races. Go, Phelps, go!!!

[Grace]

Originally posted by tamawrite
I'm excited, too! We don't watch TV at home (don't even buy cable) so I can only watch what's on when I'm at the gym on the treadmill. All the excitement should improve my running!

Do you have a TV at home? It's going to be on NBC (regular TV - no cable needed - just the good ol rabbit ears! :D ). At least a good portion of it will be, including the opening ceremonies. Maybe you'll be able to see some of it.....

[Jessica]

Yep, good ol' network TV. We only get 3 or 4 channels but we can get the Olympics, which is more than I can say for the D and R national conventions.

[tamawrite]

Originally posted by Grace


Do you have a TV at home? It's going to be on NBC (regular TV - no cable needed - just the good ol rabbit ears! :D ). At least a good portion of it will be, including the opening ceremonies. Maybe you'll be able to see some of it.....

We do have a TV for watching movies...but no rabbit ears! :o I think we do get scratchy reception of 1 news channel, but...hmm. Maybe we'll give it a try just in case. :cool:

[KLynn]

Originally posted by Jessica
I get into my Olympic mode and start watching TV every night and reading the sports section.

This is so ME! My husband makes fun of me.

I particularly can't wait for the gymnastics. It is just so compelling to me! These young girls that have so much pressure on them just astound me. Like Terry said, REAL reality TV!

Terri, that is so cool that you were a gymnast! Do you have any "insider" scoop on what it is REALLY like??!

[Jessica]

Originally posted by KLynn


This is so ME! My husband makes fun of me.


Mine, too :). My DH does not like to watch sports of any kind.

[SueK]

I'm really excited. DD is anxious to watch the track and field (she loved watching the time trials), the equestrian, diving and gymnastics. I'm really looking forward to the opening ceremonies on Friday night as well. I know we'll be glued to the TV that night.

[Escher]

I love the REAL sports.
You know, the ones that don't need judges..... :rolleyes:


Anyhow, I'm into the Olympics. I lose a lot of sleep staying up to catch all the events....

Besides, the Olympics will (hopefully) knock politics to the back page for awhile....

Escher's sports pyramid:

Team sports--basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc.
Single-person sports--fencing, wrestling, etc.
Timed sports-- marathon, hurdles, etc.
.
.
.
watching paint dry.
.
.
.
"judged" sports--gymnastics, synch swimming.

[tamawrite]

Escher, what is it you don't like about the judged competitions? The subjectivity? I prefer them because they seem more "human" -- also more artistic, for us non-"sports" athletes. As a distance runner, I am interested secondarily in the marathon, less so in sprints, & not at all in team sports. Furthermore, I dislike playing team sports -- individual challenge is much more inspiring to me than team spirit. I am not a team player. Therefore, you are wrong. ;)

[crlykat]

Ooo, I love to watch the Olympics--both team and non team sports. I don't watch any other sports on TV; something about the Olympics is soo amazing.
The only thing I can get tired of is the announcers. At certain points, its like--OK!! I heard all about this athlete's sad story, hurdles they overcame, and rise to greatness about 50 times already!! :D

[Escher]

Originally posted by tamawrite
Escher, what is it you don't like about the judged competitions? The subjectivity? I prefer them because they seem more "human" -- also more artistic, for us non-"sports" athletes. As a distance runner, I am interested secondarily in the marathon, less so in sprints, & not at all in team sports. Furthermore, I dislike playing team sports -- individual challenge is much more inspiring to me than team spirit. I am not a team player. Therefore, you are wrong. ;)

Ouch.

((rubbing head))

No, I have respect for the (gymnast) athletes. But yes, I don't like the subjectivity. I think of the judged events closer to ballet and opera or theatre... yes, the participants are fit and athletic, but it doesn't seem to fit the rest of the sport mold. More performance than competition.

I'd say I like the cold, hard facts, but that would leave me with timed events, or things like jumping....which is not my favorite.

In order to really get my attention, it can't be Man vs. Himself.... it must be Man vs. Man. The best sports have an element of defense. That adds a mental dimension to the equation that I crave. Some strategy. Some risk-taking.


Also, team sports allows you the "specialists" dimension....
Best goalkeeper...best offensive player plays forward, best defensive player plays, well, back.

Etc.

[Grace]

Originally posted by Escher


In order to really get my attention, it can't be Man vs. Himself.... it must be Man vs. Man. The best sports have an element of defense. That adds a mental dimension to the equation that I crave. Some strategy. Some risk-taking.


Also, team sports allows you the "specialists" dimension....
Best goalkeeper...best offensive player plays forward, best defensive player plays, well, back.

Etc.

You must not have watched much gymnastics. Not trying to convince you here, I mean, I could give a hoot if Escher likes gymnastics or not, but if you really do like these aspects of sport like you say you do, then it's not logical that you wouldn't also like gymnastics. The only "dance" element to gymnastics is the floor exercise, and I can tell you as a former dancer (not a pro, but someone who studied dance for many, many years), gymnasts are about the worst dancers there are. Not to mention in men's gymnastics, the floor exercise isn't done to music and there's no "dance" aspect whatsoever. So that's not really how they're being judged. Floor exercise is about tumbling abilities, not dance. Now let's take your "complaints" (for lack of a better term) point by point.

Man vs. Man. Strategy, Risk taking. The gymnasts compete against each other (on their own team) and against the gymnasts from other countries. They're not trying necessarily for their own personal best, but to beat the other gymnasts. So I'm not sure I understand the man vs. himself argument - I mean, in running they're not on a team (unless it's a relay) and there's competition against each other. So I guess I'm not understanding that. Anyway, each element in gymnastics (I don't mean apparatus, but each "trick" they do on each apparatus) is given a difficulty factor. Strategy comes in when they decide to do an element that maybe they haven't practiced as much, or isn't a for sure in their repertoire, but has a higher difficulty factor, so that if they DO complete the element, they can win. But it's riskier. There's the risk part....

The "specialist" dimension you speak of is also found in gymnastics. There are what, 5 apparatus in gymnastics? There are a few great all-arounders, but usually a gymnast has a particular strength or two, and they actually DO have a few real specialists, who maybe aren't great at all on 4 of the 5 apparatus, but are absolutely spectacular on one (I think they took one outstanding vaulter on the team this year).

Anyhow, I think because you have a perception of the sport, you've already determined you don't like it. Maybe watch a little of it this year and you might be converted? :D :D

And again, it makes no difference to me if you really don't like it - it just seemed your arguments for not liking it didn't really hold water. Not that you even need reasons for not liking something - of course you can just "not like it" for no good reason at all. It is America after all! :D

[KLynn]

The team sports are actually my least favorite in the Olympics, mostly because that type of competition is on all the time - football, baseball, etc.

The individuals are why I love the Olympics so much. I am one who LOVES the pieces where they tell a person's story, background, hardships they had to overcome etc. Those are the things that make me feel connected to a particular athlete...and I usually end up rooting for them as a result!

If the NFL did little bits showing a quarterback at home, playing with his kids, talking about his journey, I would probably watch a lot more football!!

[crlykat]

Originally posted by KLynn


The individuals are why I love the Olympics so much. I am one who LOVES the pieces where they tell a person's story, background, hardships they had to overcome etc. Those are the things that make me feel connected to a particular athlete...and I usually end up rooting for them as a result!

If the NFL did little bits showing a quarterback at home, playing with his kids, talking about his journey, I would probably watch a lot more football!!

Oh, yeah, I do like hearing about the individuals, but I guess hearing it repeatedly starts to get old. Or maybe its the way the announcers do it? I think after a time it can get to be a little much--but I suppose that's true for anything the media latches on to! :D

[Escher]

Originally posted by Grace
Anyhow, I think because you have a perception of the sport, you've already determined you don't like it. Maybe watch a little of it this year and you might be converted? :D :D


I'm such a homer, I'll watch (and cheer) the gymnastics team, even if I don't feel it should be an Olympic sport. Just the type of person I am.

Also, at the crux, is the judging element. Seems fishy to me. Give me a stopwatch or a score. Much more cut-and-dry.

[Escher]

Originally posted by KLynn
The team sports are actually my least favorite in the Olympics, mostly because that type of competition is on all the time - football, baseball, etc.

I can understand that. That is a serious drawback to the $$ sports in the Olypics....I'm already "burnt out" on them....

[Jessica]

Originally posted by crlykat

The only thing I can get tired of is the announcers. At certain points, its like--OK!! I heard all about this athlete's sad story, hurdles they overcame, and rise to greatness about 50 times already!! :D

LOL. My DH always makes fun of all those stories and asks me if athletes with happy childhoods are allowed to compete in the Olympics.

[Jeanz]

Just commenting, thanks to referees, is there REALLY a sport that isn't judged?? I can't count how many times referees have seemed to interfere towards one competitor over another.

Jean

[ccooney]

I love the equestrian events. It's not exactly a team sport, but it certainly isn't a single-"person" sport. Being chosen for the Olympics, the competitor is not just the rider, but also his or her mount. Talk about a team! There's one girl on the team this year who's a first string competitor on one horse and a stand-by/back-up on another. And there are both timed events (jumping) where faults are given for mistakes/bad form as well as artistic, judged events (dressage). Man, they could be their own olympics all by themselves!

Unfortunately, there's not usually much TV coverage of equestrian events. I guess it's not as big a draw for advertisers & audiences as gymnastics are.

[KLynn]

I love equestrian as well. I think it is especially interesting because there are many older competitors, plus women and men compete against each other equally. The horses are so beautiful and elegant to watch.

I wonder how they get the horses to Greece??? Fly??

[RebeccaT]

I have to say that the only sports I have issues with in the Olympics are the ones where our professionals are allowed to go and compete for medals. I mean, I like Venus and Serena just fine, and watching them play tennis is quite compelling. But they are professionals who make zillions of $$ a year, they have already reached the apex of their careers. The Olympics are fun for them, but don't have the weight of other sports where they have trained and trained just to make it to Athens. I get even more annoyed with basketball. It would be one thing if the American team could only be made up of ameteurs (isn't that what the Olympics are about) but when I see Shaq on the court playing for a medal... I just don't feel it.

I think my favorite are the races. I love watching the drama of a mass of arms and legs feet all scrambling, then a few falling back, and then a few more, and then just a couple creeping ahead, and then that final push towards the finish... love that. :)

[Beth H]

It would be one thing if the American team could only be made up of ameteurs (isn't that what the Olympics are about) but when I see Shaq on the court playing for a medal... I just don't feel it.

This year the men's basketball might be pretty interesting. European basketball has improved *a lot* since the first NBA-Olympics "dream team. Italy beat the US a week or so ago in an exhibition, and it took a last-second miracle shot for the Americans to beat the Germans a night or two later. The crowds definitely will be cheering for the European teams, so I wouldn't be surprised if we did not win the gold this year.

[tamawrite]

Originally posted by KLynn
I love equestrian as well. I think it is especially interesting because there are many older competitors, plus women and men compete against each other equally. The horses are so beautiful and elegant to watch.

I wonder how they get the horses to Greece??? Fly??

Yep. In planes with padded stalls (floor included) so nervous horses won't hurt themselves. Horses that compete at that level are likely to have flown before, of course, but I'd still be nervous putting MY beloved million-dollar horse on a plane!

The equestrian events are among my favorites as well. I wish they'd cover them more. I think it's the horse/rider connection that gets me, much more than in horse racing. These dressage and jumper pairs KNOW each other better and longer than most jockey/racer pairs. It's lovely to watch, especially if you're an equestrian who know exactly how it feels to make that connection and perform just right.

[KLynn]

Originally posted by tamawrite
Yep. In planes with padded stalls (floor included) so nervous horses won't hurt themselves. Horses that compete at that level are likely to have flown before, of course, but I'd still be nervous putting MY beloved million-dollar horse on a plane!

That is interesting. I would be nervous about taking my 80lb lab on a plane. I can't imagine taking a HORSE, who then has to PERFORM a few days later!! How do they know the horses won't completely freak out? I guess they are used to it, like you say.

[Grace]

Maybe they give them "horsey Xanax" or something! :D I too, wouldn't even put my dogs on a plane, much less an olympic level horse! But I guess they know what they're doing.

[KLynn]

Let the Games begin!

Women's soccer begins today - USA vs. Greece. I think they are airing it on MSNBC at 10:30am (ET).

Go USA!!

[KLynn]

And they won!

3-0.

[Escher]

I love the brutish, almost monolithic American cheer:

U---S---A! U---S---A!

Like an 800 pound gorilla, just hammering down the competition.



God, I love being an American so much!