Does anyone else find the Olympics just fascinating to watch? Every four years the best athletes from all over the world showcase their talent and country pride. I’ll watch just about any event except a few in which I will surely touch upon in just a moment. I was fortunate enough to hold a gold medal from the 2000 Team USA baseball squad and I have been in awe ever since.
Michael Phelps captivated the world by winning eight gold medals in eight swim races. He broke Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics and now has more gold medals than any other American athlete before him. Unfreakinbelievable. He not only dominated the competition, but he set world records in at least six races. The man is just built for swimming. He is long, lanky, and flexible. Good for him as he deserves it with how hard he has worked. He belongs in the same breath as Jordan, Woods, and Federer (in his prime).
Other events I like to watch include handball, volleyball, gymnastics (you try and do it), badminton, and ping pong. I really think I can play handball. For those that haven’t witnessed this event, it’s kinda like basketball meets soccer, except you throw the ball instead of kick it. I really missed the boat on that one.
USA’s baseball squad is comprised of minor-leaguers and one college player. Considering every other nation are using their best ballplayers, the U.S. should be thrilled they are even in the medal round. What bothers me is that in 2012, baseball will not be in the Olympics. How can baseball not be and Men’s (yes, men’s) field hockey, speedwalking, and kayaking be considered worthy of Olympic competition. The IOC really butchered that one up. And while I am talking about the IOC, what’s with the new extra innings rule? At the start of the 11th inning-no out, two on, and your best hitter up…Play Ball! Just ridiculous. It’s not even baseball anymore. They ruined the game.
The U.S. is dominating as they should be but China has some great athletes and they are fun to watch. Ever since they found out that Beijing would host the 2008 Olympics, they really started training hard. The opening ceremony was also something everyone should have witnessed. To have that many people in unison just boggles the mind. I don’t care if the cute Chinese girl wasn’t even singing. I don’t think any other city could ever duplicate such a performance. Kudos to China.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:01 am
[...] they could put it together. That’s what the Olympics are for in my opinion. But with baseball not slated for the Games anymore, this might be an audition for upcoming olympics and to prove to the Committee that [...]