I am not an Olympian. I haven’t the drive, determination, or
talent to do anything to the extreme that Olympians do. I strive for excellence
as it is reflected in my connection with people and my work, but I have never
immersed myself in one activity so fully that I could be considered an Olympian.
I do, however, enjoy watching the Olympics. This year has been different, and
it has nothing to do with my new sporty lifestyle. I didn’t so much watch them, but I listened to
those who have been watching the Olympics, and I have a few thoughts.
1.
Professional Athletes.
a.
I remember during the cold war when we Americans
scorned the Communists for creating full-time training centers for their elite athletes.
We were under the impression, perhaps unjustly so, that the governments of
those eastern block countries housed, fed and educated those magnificent, and
talented people and we considered them “Professional Athletes.” We held
ourselves up to a higher standard -or so we thought- by limiting an athlete’s
income to earned endorsements and danced our superiority salsa because we
competed – and won- without “Professional Athletes.” Why does the current medal count not surprise
me?
2.
Doping
a.
Again, back in the cold war, we looked at East
German women swimmers. It was hard to distinguish them from the men. We, of
course, accused them of doping. A Chinese woman swimmer was making better
scores than the men in the same event. Doping? Usain Bolt is the fastest man
alive. Prior to the games, he felt ill. Doping? Michael Phelps told the media
that he goofed off this year and barely trained. I hoped other swimmers might
have a chance. He won race after race. Doping? The current athletes are bigger,
stronger, and faster. Are they doing this without any chemical help?
3.
#2
a.
If an athlete comes home with a medal, any
medal, in the OLYMPIC GAMES, why does the second place athlete act as if he or
she has failed? #2 IN THE WORLD is no small feat! Of course I understand the desire
for gold, but I’m also sure that #2 has come in #1 many times. Yes, people don’t
remember #2, but #2 will never forget being an OLYMPIAN.
4.
Questions:
a.
Why do the medal winners bite their medals? Don’t
they know there’s only $5.oo worth of metal in one?
b.
What do the squiggly shapes in the logo mean?
c.
Was there some explanation of the mascots and I
missed them? Over the years they look less and less like mascots and more and
more like under-animated blobs.
d.
Did anyone think USA would not medal in
Basketball? Now –that would be an upset.
5.
Gymnastics
a.
It all just goes to show you that you’re only as
good as your last performance.
6.
What I didn’t’ see but wanted to
a.
Fencing, Archery, shooting, judo, diving, horsey
stuff.
7.
What I did see, but didn’t want to
a.
Qualifying heats, swimmers’ butt cracks, beach volleyball,
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