Looking forward to the Olympics

tarsier

tarsier

Joined
Apr 6, 2002
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Despite the hype, politics, and sometimes overly nationalistic tone of the Olympics, I always look forward to them. I grew up in the era of US versus Soviet bloc medal counts and am glad that is over. I'm proud of US athletes and donate money every year to our shooting team, but I like seeing competitors from all over the world. Some "amateurs" are of course still state-supported, but it really doesn't matter to me. When it comes right down to it, there are always interesting stories that develop and great human achievements to enjoy. Anyone know of some special prospects that we should keep an eye on?

One problem for me is that I don't have cable TV and only get a few broadcast channels. This is one of the only times when I watch TV. Apparently the heaviest coverage will be on cable though, so I will miss a lot. Maybe I can get streaming video somewhere. My favorite events are boxing, especially the lighter weight classes, plus some of the sports that I rarely get to see like freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and water polo. Which events do you enjoy watching?

By the way, I hope everyone stays safe, and there are no security incidents this year.
 
IMHO, the Olympics have turned into one giant, elongated commercial break.
 
The commercialism of the Olympics still doesn't make the athletes any less great (the clean ones anyway). It's easy to be cynical about the whole thing and in some ways I am, but I'll still enjoy watching track and field and marathon. It's a shame the hoopla has gotten so out of hand but those guys and girls have worked damn hard to get there and deserve some respect for it.
 
To the amateur athlete, the Olympics is still the pinnacle achievement in their chosen sport.
Hopefully this will remain for many generations to come, and won't be destroyed by politics, terrorism, drug cheats and corruption.
With so much hatred in the world today, the Olympics set a great example to mankind, highlighting how all nations can compete against each other in a friendly, pure and noble way.
Let the games begin.
 
Given the tremendous expense of putting on such a show, the choice is between the intrusive commercialism or a subtler but no less pernicious state support. In a way, the commercialism, being almost overly transparent, seems preferable to me.

There are many other, lower-level international competitions. Many people are completely unaware of them, although in some sports, they provide the standing that sends athletes to the Olympics themselves. The Olympics at least focusses attention on the athletes that they would not otherwise enjoy.

If Lance Armstrong does not ride in the Tour de France next year, a lot of people will assume he died. There is always ONE championship venue. For competitors, nothing else will do.
 
I'm sick of the olympics.
It, atleast seems, as though most if not all of the athletes take drugs. So what's the point? It's now more of a contest to see who can find cleverer and ingenious ways to beat the drugs-testing.

I heard on TV someone suggesting there should be two olymipics. One "drugs olympics" and one "non-drugs olympics".

I can see it now, the Marijuana Marathon.
And steroided female runners getting their testicles caught while jumping over the hurdles.
Remember the east German team?

The cocaine decathlon.
Steroid swimming.

I think Maximus has the right idea.

Mind you, I might still watch the martial arts and fencing and boxing if they show it on TV.
 
So? There's something for everyone!

Compare it to what else is on TV -- it's not like the Olympics pre-empts anything important.

Just wait till they come to New Zealand ... ohhh, I guess not ... :D
 
Athens has some major problems ; insufficient electric power, major water shortage and of course the possibility of terrorism.....Summer Olympics has far too many sports, there should be a drastic reduction. My tastes go to shooting and fencing ,not much other interest. Some fencing is scheduled even in prime time but if you blink your eyes you miss it !!
 
Looks like there are only a few of us idealists left...:) I'm surprised there is so little interest. People have become disillusioned by the problems, I suppose. In the past, it seemed like a lot of countries had an athlete or team that had special importance to them. I see that Stockman is from Australia. They are always a force to be reckoned with in swimming. I imagine this year will be no exception.

I just put aside the nonsense that comes along with the Games and focus on what I enjoy. So, I will be following things like whether Rulon Gardner repeats in Greco-Roman and how Ronda Rousey does in women's judo. And, there are always developing stories that come up during the course of the games.

By the way, since I only watch TV during big news events, I do notice the frequent commercials. And yes, they annoy me. But I'm willing to put up with it if what I'm watching is interesting enough.
 
I must admit that I'm one of those killjoys who don't have much interest in the olympics. If I happen to be a near a TV and some event that I might find slightly interesting is on I might stop and watch, but apart from that, I don't care.

Having said all that I realise it's a great thing for the athletes and I certainly don't begrudge whatever fame and fortune comes their way.
 
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