I’ve actually been watching the Olympic games much more than I thought I would this year and thoroughly enjoying them. It may have to do something with the fact that they are on so late which is the only time I have a chance to watch television. I used to enjoy watching the Olympics but for some reason which I cannot explain I took a sabbatical for the last two or three Olympics. I do remember being upset with many of our athlete’s conduct and behavior. Many times it was very arrogant.
But this year seems very different. I have been very proud of all of the U.S. Olympians, even the basketball team that I would never watch due to their arrogance in previous years. Both Lebron James and Kobe Bryant have been great ambassadors and role models.
Compare their behavior to Switzerland’s Martin Laciga. I rarely say something like this but I was very pleased that Mr. Laciga’s team was defeated. I have never rooted against a team so furiously. His constant criticism of his teammate Jan Schnider was extremely poor form. I would urge Mr. Schnider to find a new playing partner tomorrow.
Mark Spitz described Michael Phelps’ accomplishments as “Epic.” I would have to agree. What he has done is nothing short of miraculous given his arduous schedule of events. Add to that the quality of all Olympic athletes in this age.
The gold and silver medal recipients’ of women’s gymnastic was another monumental moment. While Shawn Johnson is definitely a poster girl for all Olympic athletes, Nastia Liukin deserved the gold medal this year. Miss Johnson will certainly have another chance in 2012. If you heard the interview afterwards both Shawn Johnson and Nastia Lukin said they had “no regrets.” They both worked hard to get to the Olympics and gave it their all that night. That’s what it is all about.
My biggest disappointment with the Olympics this year has nothing to do with the athletes or China. It has to do with Bob Costas of NBC. When Mr. Costas was interviewing President Bush about his time at the games he asked what I consider a very pointed and unnecessary question. He stated that China was still an authoritarian state with an abysmal human rights record. He then proceeded to ask “in the long run is China’s rise irreconcilable with America’s interest?”
My question is what good could have come from this question? Absolutely nothing! First, I do not think this type of question should have been asked and second, if it had to be asked, choosing the word abysmal was a very poor choice. Please stick to sports Mr. Costas, you are out of your league in politics.
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