Beijing Olympics

[TooFarTampa]

I'm curious -- how interested are you in the Olympics, which start Friday?

I have way less interest this year, which is startling, because I am a longtime Olympics geek. As a teen I went to the L.A. Games in '84 (where I caught gymnast Kathy Johnson's silver medal podium bouquet & shook hands with Nadia Comaneci). I've been to a couple Trials and over the years I have met many many Olympic athletes.

But for some reason these Olympics are non-compelling to me, and I can't figure out if it is because I am jaded and busy, or because there is so much else in the world to think about, or maybe because I am uncomfortable with China as an Olympic site. Or maybe it's because we no longer have to wait for Bob Costas to tell us what happened, or because there are so many athletes who have been caught doping, or because everything seems like a big marketing dog-and-pony show.

And then Jim McKay died. That didn't help.

The magic is gone for me. Is it gone for you? What's different?

Will I ever get that magic back? It's kind of sad, I used to really love the Olympics. :(

Your thoughts please.

[Mermaid]

I have always loved the Olympics, too, but I am of mixed feelings about it being held in China. On the one hand, it is a positive thing for the Chinese to have the world at its doorsteps. There's much to be learned by exposure to different cultures--if only for so short a time as the duration of the Olympics--and god knows the Chinese could only benefit by it. But on the other hand, too much of what the Chinese do runs contrary to the spirit of the Olympic tradition and it strikes me as a sell-out that they were awarded the games. Though I shouldn't be disappointed on that account. The Olympics have become less and less pure through the decades, so it is perhaps just business as usual.

I don't understand the rules about who competes now, either, and this is something I'm going to have to look up. We watched the Tour de France this year, as always, and the British cyclist Mark Cavendish withdrew after winning a stage or two because he needed to prepare for the Olympics. I thought the Tour de France competitors were all professionals, so how is it that they can be in the Olympics? TTF, will you explain how it works?

Having said this, we will watch the Olympics! Track and field, kayak racing, cycling, and fencing are favorites in our house.

[TooFarTampa]

I have always loved the Olympics, too, but I am of mixed feelings about it being held in China. On the one hand, it is a positive thing for the Chinese to have the world at its doorsteps. There's much to be learned by exposure to different cultures--if only for so short a time as the duration of the Olympics--and god knows the Chinese could only benefit by it. But on the other hand, too much of what the Chinese do runs contrary to the spirit of the Olympic tradition and it strikes me as a sell-out that they were awarded the games. Though I shouldn't be disappointed on that account. The Olympics have become less and less pure through the decades, so it is perhaps just business as usual.

I don't understand the rules about who competes now, either, and this is something I'm going to have to look up. We watched the Tour de France this year, as always, and the British cyclist Mark Cavendish withdrew after winning a stage or two because he needed to prepare for the Olympics. I thought the Tour de France competitors were all professionals, so how is it that they can be in the Olympics? TTF, will you explain how it works?

Thanks Mermy.

Good question about the pros v. amateurs. I seemed to recall that every sport is different, and it is true. I found this at encarta.msn.com:

By 1983 a majority of IOC members acknowledged that most Olympic athletes compete professionally in the sense that sports are their main activity. The IOC then asked each ISF to determine eligibility in its own sport, and over the next decade nearly all the ISFs abolished the distinction between amateurs and professionals, accepting so-called open Games.

The most famous example is the 1992 men's basketball Dream Team. Remember? The U.S. got its butt kicked and then all of a sudden Michael Jordan showed up.

What was really interesting to me though was this explanation at encarta.msn about why the amateur rule was in place in the first place:

Coubertin and the IOC intended from the start for the Olympics to be open only to amateurs. Amateurism was determined by adherence to the amateur rule, which was originally devised in the 19th century to prevent working-class athletes from participating in sports such as rowing and tennis. Because the amateur rule prevented athletes from earning any pay from activities in any way related to sports, working-class athletes could not afford to make a living and train for competition at the same time.

[Miss Kitty]

For me, it is the China thing. and the pollution thing. and the drug thing. and the mandates to the Chinese people to fake it. i could go on. i will try to watch and hope i get the spirit back. :(

[Mango]

The Olympics lost quite a bit of appeal for me when I saw how some Chinese were being forced from their homes to make way for Olympic construction, in addition to some of the reasons you posted above. But that was the clincher for me. The Olympics are about athleticism, representing your country, and hard work. To athletes, it doesn't matter where they are held, just as long as one can compete. That's what it is all about really. The commercialism of it all is has taken away something from the Olympics.

[audie]

i usually don't watch the summer olympics, but this year will be watching michael phelps swim (if i'm off work) and may watch some of the gymnastics.

we like the winter olympics better here at the audies.

and the winter x games.

[DD]

i usually don't watch the summer olympics, but this year will be watching michael phelps swim (if i'm off work) and may watch some of the gymnastics.

we like the winter olympics better here at the audies.

and the winter x games.

Figures. :roll:

[audie]

:nono1: you're being naughty :D

[DD]

:nono1: you're being naughty :D

:wub::wave:

[DCFinSCB]

Men's Soccer Result: USA 1 - 0 Japan :clap:

That's 3 points in the Group Stage so far. However, will not be easy getting to the quarterfinals, with matches remaining against The Super Eagles (Nigeria) and The Oranje (Netherlands).

USA! USA! USA!

[Gypsea]

Well, if I were a dog I'd be happy about the Olympics being held in China since it wouldn't be my rump on a plate or at least for the duration of the games. :D:eek:

[Water Boy]

My wife and I loved the Olympics. We loved the pageantry, the victory and the onces that just competed.. We enjoyed learning about the host country. We had our favorite sports and athletes. We couldn't get enough of it. When they went to the two year time frame it got better.

Sure there will always be negatives surrounding the Olympics. For us, it didn't take away from the Olympic Spirit. Yes, we screamed our heads off for every US Team Member.

Maybe for us, the Olympics were a distraction from our real world. That's probably the reason I respect your reasons for loss of some interest.

My wife has been gone for five years now. I plan to enjoy every minute of the games I can for I know my wife is watching from the best seat in the house.

I also hope the games will go on without outside distractioins.

With that said, I realize how our views are about the same.

GO TEAM USA

[scooterbug44]

I absolutely love the idea and spirit of the Olympics, but stopped watching them because the coverage became so full of nonsense and fluff.

If you need to fill time, show me the athletes preparing or pan the arenas or show clips of past glories. Scripted nonsense and manufactured "human interest or conflict" is dumb.

[Miss Kitty]

I absolutely love the idea and spirit of the Olympics, but stopped watching them because the coverage became so full of nonsense and fluff.

If you need to fill time, show me the athletes preparing or pan the arenas or show clips of past glories. Scripted nonsense and manufactured "human interest or conflict" is dumb.

well, at least you don't think it is idiotic.

[scooterbug44]

Oh, I know better than to wave that red flag at the bull! :roll:

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, I know better than to wave that red flag at the bull! :roll:

who are you calling a bull? :wave:

[BeachSiO2]

Can someone explain how some of the sports start before the opening ceremonies :idontno: Isn't that what opening means, "the start."

[Ocean Lover]

Dylan's teacher from last year is there with her husband who is a silver medalist in wrestling. He does wrestling commentary. I could care less about wrestling...probably my least fav sport. I'm excited to watch Michael Phelps and the other swimmers and gymnasts. ATT Uverse has several new Olympic channels so I'm sure the OL family will get their fill of the games.:biggrin:

[Ocean Lover]

Can someone explain how some of the sports start before the opening ceremonies :idontno: Isn't that what opening means, "the start."

I was just wondering the same thing!

[Miss Kitty]

two words...

MICHAEL PHELPS!!!! :clap::clap:

[Johnrudy]

two words...

michael phelps!!!! :clap::clap:

ditto!!!!

[Ocean Lover]

Yep! This is what it's all about. Nothing like hearing our national anthem.:clap:

Getting ready to watch Dara Torres in the relay now.

~ She's pretty amazing but the netherlands had to much of a lead. eh, Silver is good.

[audie]

two words...

MICHAEL PHELPS!!!! :clap::clap:

i was reading an article about him in usa today i think, and his coach said he is built like a dolphin :lol: he's 6'4 but has such a long torso he only has a 30 inch inseam, and wears a size 14 shoe so he has flippers :funn:this kid was built for the water, huh ?

[Tootsie]

I'm watching the games tomorrow and can't wait to sit my butt on the sofa and just enjoy. fluff and all! the commercials can be a little much, but I'll try to get through it (we typically watch all commercial free TV here - but with sports you can't really do this, not even Olympics! damn).

[DD]

two words...

MICHAEL PHELPS!!!! :clap::clap:

:clap::clap:Made me all misty.

[TooFarTampa]

Can someone explain how some of the sports start before the opening ceremonies :idontno: Isn't that what opening means, "the start."

Some of the team tournaments simply take too long to fit in within the standard Olympics time frame.

i was reading an article about him in usa today i think, and his coach said he is built like a dolphin :lol: he's 6'4 but has such a long torso he only has a 30 inch inseam, and wears a size 14 shoe so he has flippers :funn:this kid was built for the water, huh ?

No kidding -- his technique, his body type and his training all contribute. I wonder if we'll ever see a swimmer this versatile again.

I'm kind of getting into it now. I was so wrapped up in my planning my high school reunion this weekend that maybe the reason I wasn't excited is because I had blocked everything else out. It's great to hear from everyone else ...

[DCFinSCB]

USA 2 - 2 Netherlands, in a very entertaining (albeit sloppy pitched) match. Goals by Sacha Kljestan (Orange County, CA) and Jozy Altidore (New Jersey), for us.

USA should have had this one. Only a last minute penalty kick saved Holland from defeat.

USA's work is not nearly done. Final Group match, to see if we go through to the quarterfinals, will be against a quite "game" Nigerian squad.

Fingernail biting time...... USA! USA! USA!

[Lady D]

I am so happy that the U.S. took the gold out from under France with luck from the final leg. Makes me mad them running their mouths talking trash talk before the race saying they were going to smash the Americans, that is what they came for, and they ended up having their hopes smashed. The Australian guy broke Bernard's first leg record, and the U.S. got the world record, and the olympic record. Take that France. :lol:

[potatovixen]

WOW!!!
What a race! USA completely destroyed France in the Men's 400m Relay in Swimming.

I was jumping up and down in my apartment and cheering. My downstairs neighbors quite obviously heard me and started banging on their ceiling. I yelled down "Sorry!" and they yelled back up:

"GO USA!"

2 down, 6 to go for Phelps. Two more gives him more total gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history.

[cp]

I was yelling and screeming also!! :clap:

[TooFarTampa]

WOW!!!
What a race! USA completely destroyed France in the Men's 400m Relay in Swimming.

I was jumping up and down in my apartment and cheering. My downstairs neighbors quite obviously heard me and started banging on their ceiling. I yelled down "Sorry!" and they yelled back up:

"GO USA!"

2 down, 6 to go for Phelps. Two more gives him more total gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history.

Phelps got a big freaking gift wrapped gold. I have never seen anything like that final leg. :yikes: They seem like a great bunch of guys.

[Mango]

Phelps got a big freaking gift wrapped gold. I have never seen anything like that final leg. :yikes: They seem like a great bunch of guys.

Yes, everything I have watched thus far has had me on the edge of my seat.
My mouth has been on the floor watching the men gymnasts as well from China and Japan. I do not recall ever seeing anything like it in my lifetime. Some of these stunts and show of strength are absolutely incredible.

[potatovixen]

The more I watch, the more excited I get. I have always loved the Olympics, and this year is no exception for me.

Anyone else watch the USA/China Men's Basketball game this morning? I am only just starting to get into basketball, so I don't fully understand it yet, but I really enjoyed that game.

[Tootsie]

I like some of the sports (swimming, gymnastics, diving, track) and I love learning about China and about the athletes from all over.

I'm finding some pretty good info on NPR Olympics 2008 (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92642187) such as event schedule, athlete profiles, china stories/culture, opening and closing ceremony info, pix, etc.

anyone else have any really good online olympic coverage?

[Hop]

is it just me or do the gymnastics devices look like some sort of torture implements...the balance beam, the rings, pommel horse....it's amazing what they do on these things...

[scooterbug44]

That relay was freakin' insane! They all swam so fast that the people who came in FIFTH still beat the world record! :blink:

[goofer44]

This is the most awesome Olympics ever.

[Lady D]

WOW!!!
What a race! USA completely destroyed France in the Men's 400m Relay in Swimming.

I was jumping up and down in my apartment and cheering. My downstairs neighbors quite obviously heard me and started banging on their ceiling. I yelled down "Sorry!" and they yelled back up:

"GO USA!"

2 down, 6 to go for Phelps. Two more gives him more total gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history.

If that is including the 2004 Olympics it will I guess. How many did he have in 2004? He is going to try and surpass Mark Spitz and his record 7 gold medals from 1972 that has held up all these years.

[Ocean Lover]

Go USA!!!!!!! I love it all. :clap:

[singinchicken]

If that is including the 2004 Olympics it will I guess. How many did he have in 2004? He is going to try and surpass Mark Spitz and his record 7 gold medals from 1972 that has held up all these years.

He had 6 total golds coming into 2008. He as won two so far. One more to tie Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz, and Larissa Latynina who all have 9. He'll pass all of them.
The relay was his only perceived stumbling block to winning 8 gold medals in one Olympic contest which will beat Spitz's 7. He's on cruise control, now, but there's still many races to go.

[Miss Kitty]

They say China needed the Olympics to show the world what they have.

I say the USA needed it to remind us what we have always had!! :clap:

[Minnie]

I was yelling and screaming too, then I realized, ok this race has already happened, right :idontno:

[Minnie]

is it just me or do the gymnastics devices look like some sort of torture implements...the balance beam, the rings, pommel horse....it's amazing what they do on these things...

Believe me they are torture implements, hardest class I took in college. :blink:

[Johnrudy]

ok, enough of the volley ball already. :roll:

[Miss Kitty]

ok, enough of the volley ball already. :roll:


what the heck was that thing on her shoulder? :blink:

[Minnie]

what the heck was that thing on her shoulder? :blink:

I asked my husband the exact same thing. :blink:

Ok here is the answer.

She had surgery on her shoulder and it a sort of a bandage that reduces pain and keeps the blood flowing.

Also:

That is Kinesio Tape, developed in Japan for elastic support of muscles to allow muscles to relax and keep them from spasming. This tape also acts as a support. It is used in conjunction with the anatomy of the muscle and the use of the muscle that needs support.

[Johnrudy]

I asked my husband the exact same thing. :blink:

Ok here is the answer.

.

Also:

.

I'm also pretty sure I heard that it's like having an infusion of ibuprofen while it's on. (I'd like a whole suit of that, head to toe.)

[Mermaid]

Phelps got a big freaking gift wrapped gold. I have never seen anything like that final leg. :yikes: They seem like a great bunch of guys.

I hate to cast a shadow on such glory but we had dinner with good friends tonight and their daughter's boyfriend knows Michael Phelps and says he's an arrogant SOB who is very full of himself. His athletic prowess knows no bounds and apparently neither does his ego.

I don't honestly know how it could be otherwise given the media attention Olympic atheletes receive. They're fawned upon 24/7 so I can't imagine anyone Michael's age in his same situation, with his same talent, could not have a stuffed head. If he's the great guy he appears to be, he'll calm down and be his regular self when it's all over. His regular friends back home hope so. :blush:

[NoHall]

what the heck was that thing on her shoulder? :blink:
At first I thought it was a tattoo gone terribly wrong...:lol:

[potatovixen]

As of today, Phelps is at 9 total gold medals. I agree with singinchicken... he'll pass them. He's quite an incredible athlete.

As for ego, I can understand that. I still think it's cool that he's barely older than me, and he's shattering records and making history.

[Johnrudy]

As of today, Phelps is at 9 total gold medals. I agree with singinchicken... he'll pass them. He's quite an incredible athlete.

As for ego, I can understand that. I still think it's cool that he's barely older than me, and he's shattering records and making history.

No kidding - - he is amazing! He's entitled! :clap:

[cp]

They say China needed the Olympics to show the world what they have.

I say the USA needed it to remind us what we have always had!! :clap:
well said Miss Kitty:wave:

[cp]

I hate to cast a shadow on such glory but we had dinner with good friends tonight and their daughter's boyfriend knows Michael Phelps and says he's an arrogant SOB who is very full of himself. His athletic prowess knows no bounds and apparently neither does his ego.

I don't honestly know how it could be otherwise given the media attention Olympic atheletes receive. They're fawned upon 24/7 so I can't imagine anyone Michael's age in his same situation, with his same talent, could not have a stuffed head. If he's the great guy he appears to be, he'll calm down and be his regular self when it's all over. His regular friends back home hope so. :blush:
I bet even the ones that do poorly in such an event have a stuffed head. .Maybe he'll settle down after all the talk shows and visits to the White House and whatever else.How much is speedo paying him if he goes 8 for 8?
Anyway I'm pulling for him.

[Miss Kitty]

I bet even the ones that do poorly in such an event have a stuffed head. .Maybe he'll settle down after all the talk shows and visits to the White House and whatever else.How much is speedo paying him if he goes 8 for 8?
Anyway I'm pulling for him.

I choose to take the tidbit that Mermy has shared about Michael Phelps with a grain of salt. I am going to let his record and how he comes across in interviews ( fabulously, I think) speak for him. Plus, he always looks for his mom in the stands. :wub: Lord knows I have become cynical, but third hand info doesn't always cut it for me. :cool:

[shakennotstirred]

I asked my husband the exact same thing. :blink:

Ok here is the answer.

.

Also:

.

Thanks Minnie! This was driving me crazy last night. Very odd looking!

[audie]

I choose to take the tidbit that Mermy has shared about Michael Phelps with a grain of salt. I am going to let his record and how he comes across in interviews ( fabulously, I think) speak for him. Plus, he always looks for his mom in the stands. :wub: Lord knows I have become cynical, but third hand info doesn't always cut it for me. :cool:

maybe there's some jealousy there in the third parties ? a little part of me says that any young man like him who loves his mom like he obviously does can't be all bad.

[scooterbug44]

For someone who is supposedly completely full of himself, Phelps does not come off that way at ALL in interviews - and I have pretty low tolerance for that sort of thing.

The men's gymnasts (and almost every basketball and football player in the world) need to take some decorum lessons from him IMO.

[Johnrudy]

I get a little misty every time I see M. Phelps look for his mom in the stands after his win. He seems like a good kid to me.

[potatovixen]

For someone who is supposedly completely full of himself, Phelps does not come off that way at ALL in interviews - and I have pretty low tolerance for that sort of thing.

The men's gymnasts (and almost every basketball and football player in the world) need to take some decorum lessons from him IMO.

No kidding! That Jonathan Horton kid was getting on my nerves when they won the Bronze last night. The other guys were kind of obnoxious, but he took the cake. Even the basketball team didn't come across as that arrogant.

[scooterbug44]

Was he the blonde "we're going to jump in the Yangtze river" guy?

The dark haired one (who looked like he ripped some calluses and had a bandaged hand) was the one I just wanted to slap. (Well, him and the ditz reporter who asked the swimmer why she was crying on the gold medal podium - um, how about because I just got an olympic gold medal?)

The blonde russian american guy w/ the amazing pommel horse routine was the one w/ most reason to be celebrating/talking big, not those 2!

[audie]

not to belittle their accomplishment by any means, a bronze is wonderful - but.....why was the gymnastics team so arrogant? they were danged lucky to get that bronze from what i've read in the paper about the team being put together at the last minute, etc.

[scooterbug44]

I only saw a portion, but they certainly had some rough routines (as in falling etc.) - they're QUITE lucky the Japanese and Germans kept f'ing up too!

The russian american guy was AMAZING - the rest were lucky.

[cp]

not to belittle their accomplishment by any means, a bronze is wonderful - but.....why was the gymnastics team so arrogant? they were danged lucky to get that bronze from what i've read in the paper about the team being put together at the last minute, etc.
I think that is why they were so excited to get the bronze. No one including them though they would end up in the top 3 .So winning the bronze was great for them. I was pulling for them to win the silver.
I realize the boy from Texas ws a bit lould,but think about all the long hours and work getting to that point. He was like his dad "walking in space"

[singinchicken]

"That's how you do it, baby!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah...We heard you the first five times you said it. A little humility would have been nice. Some of them seem to go from being very appreciative of the effort that the team was putting out to arrogance at light speed. Enjoy your bronze because I don't think any of them placed higher than 4th in any element...

[Johnrudy]

"That's how you do it, baby!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah...We heard you the first five times you said it. A little humility would have been nice. Some of them seem to go from being very appreciative of the effort that the team was putting out to arrogance at light speed. Enjoy your bronze because I don't think any of them placed higher than 4th in any element...

THAT'S what I heard last night. It really did make him (Horton I think?) come off as a hot dog. But really, after all those days/months/years of hard work, they are definitely spirited! Can't find any fault in that.

I'm sure he'll be embarrassed soon, or at least when he looks back on it in a few years.

[audie]

i think there's a fine line between being spirited winners and being arrogant. i think a part of all sports programs should be teaching people to be gracious winners as well as gracious losers

[Johnrudy]

i think there's a fine line between being spirited winners and being arrogant. i think a part of all sports programs should be teaching people to be gracious winners as well as gracious losers
True. This is a perfect example.

[Tootsie]

I think that is why they were so excited to get the bronze. No one including them though they would end up in the top 3 .So winning the bronze was great for them. I was pulling for them to win the silver.
I realize the boy from Texas ws a bit lould,but think about all the long hours and work getting to that point. He was like his dad "walking in space"

I agree. when I first turned on the tv I was wondering why they were so excited, I came in near the end of the competition. and I got hooked immediately. I thought they were all adorable. enjoyed watching the chinese and all the teams. but our team was more excited than any and they should be very proud. I know, those obnoxious americans. well. boys will be boys.

[Minnie]

Funny how we can all watch the same events and see different things.

I saw enthusiasm, spirit, a lot of nerves, disappointment when they had a brief taste of possibly winning the silver medal and then lose it to small mistakes.

It is a very hard, hard competetion, I commend them for being able to even be there. :clap:

[cp]

whatI think is very cool is how Americans from all over were like yelling on Sunday night when the guys won that relay! I heard them talking about it on Monday Night Football that they were jumping up and down and yelling in their hotel room.

[DCFinSCB]

USA Soccer crashes out.........ugh.:(

2-1 to Nigeria. 3 minutes into the match, one of our guys gets red-carded. Hard enough with 11, even more difficult with 10.

We needed a win or a tie.

Hats off to the 36+ Year Old Brian McBride, the oldest soccer player at the Olympics, for putting in his final service on behalf of Our Country. Wish we could have seen more of him with an advance to the quarterfinals.

Thank you for your representation and showing the world that age can sometimes just be state of mind. :clap:

[STL Don]

USA Soccer crashes out.........ugh.:(

2-1 to Nigeria. 3 minutes into the match, one of our guys gets red-carded. Hard enough with 11, even more difficult with 10.

We needed a win or a tie.

Hats off to the 36+ Year Old Brian McBride, the oldest soccer player at the Olympics, for putting in his final service on behalf of Our Country. Wish we could have seen more of him with an advance to the quarterfinals.

Thank you for your representation and showing the world that age can sometimes just be state of mind. :clap:

Isn't it even sadder that very few folks in the US care much about Olympic soccer?:(
I read today that Freddy Adu had a very good Olympics.

[winddancer]

I heard that the black tape (tattoo gone wrong, lol..I thought the same thing) was because she had recently had shoulder surgery. What really bothered me was when I heard that the little girl who sang in the opening ceremony was lip syncing for the original 7 year old girl who actually was chosen for the event. She was replaced because she was "too ugly and had buck teeth"..she was not " perfect enough"

[Johnrudy]

I heard that the black tape (tattoo gone wrong, lol..I thought the same thing) was because she had recently had shoulder surgery. What really bothered me was when I heard that the little girl who sang in the opening ceremony was lip syncing for the original 7 year old girl who actually was chosen for the event. She was replaced because she was "too ugly and had buck teeth"..she was not " perfect enough"

Isn't that sad? Just goes to show you how much emphasis is put on perfection. Can you imagine the heartbreak this little girl suffered after being chosen to sing and express her gift of voice then be told she will be replaced by another? Unimaginable.

.

[winddancer]

I get choked up just thinking about the humiliation that little girl felt being replaced because of her looks....

The reaction of the men's gymnastic team I thought was more amazement than arrogance. The kid said..."Never give up!" That's because 2 of their strongest players had been replaced not a week before due to injury and the fact that they placed at all was nothing but a miracle. JMHO

[scooterbug44]

Supposedly the "replaced" little girl was pretty happy because she got to participate and achieved some minor celebrity. :idontno:

[DCFinSCB]

Isn't it even sadder that very few folks in the US care much about Olympic soccer?:(
I read today that Freddy Adu had a very good Olympics.


Adu did well, and he probably could have at least tried to make more of a difference yesterday against Nigeria. But he was out for an accumulation if yellows (2 total) in the first 2 matches.

It is sad that more people in the United States don't have more of an interest in Olympic Soccer, or soccer in general (being the world's most popular sports and all), BUT I believe the interest should come naturally and not be forced.

"The Beautiful Game" just won't be beautiful by any contrived means or to anyone involuntarily made to enjoy it.

We'll get there.........the right way. Learning the history is a great start.

Sorry for the thread hijack.

USA! USA! USA!

[STL Don]

Adu did well, and he probably could have at least tried to make more of a difference yesterday against Nigeria. But he was out for an accumulation if yellows (2 total) in the first 2 matches.

It is sad that more people in the United States don't have more of an interest in Olympic Soccer, or soccer in general (being the world's most popular sports and all), BUT I believe the interest should come naturally and not be forced.

"The Beautiful Game" just won't be beautiful by any contrived means or to anyone involuntarily made to enjoy it.

We'll get there.........the right way. Learning the history is a great start.

Sorry for the thread hijack.

USA! USA! USA!

Ane the US Women are still in the hunt and a St. Louis girl, Lori Chalupny, is back playing after being knocked senseless by her goalie in the first game.

[scooterbug44]

There are a wide variety of sports and interests.

Yes, I don't like soccer, but since it's the world's most popular sport I don't think they miss me! :biggrin:

[singinchicken]

It is sad that more people in the United States don't have more of an interest in Olympic Soccer, or soccer in general (being the world's most popular sports and all), BUT I believe the interest should come naturally and not be forced.

Kid participation in soccer in the US is actually higher than football; however, the numbers start dropping the higher the age level gets because there is nothing really out there for kids much beyound high school...Very few scholarships, fewer men's amature leagues, very weak pro level teams in the US.
The kids from the US are at a competitive disadvantage from the get go and have almost no shot of playing pro in Europe or South America...

[jdarg]

Dressage is on Oxygen right now.:wub: It is so beautiful to watch!

[Johnrudy]

beach volley ball - make it STOP! Please!

[DCFinSCB]

Kid participation in soccer in the US is actually higher than football; however, the numbers start dropping the higher the age level gets because there is nothing really out there for kids much beyound high school...Very few scholarships, fewer men's amature leagues, very weak pro level teams in the US.
The kids from the US are at a competitive disadvantage from the get go and have almost no shot of playing pro in Europe or South America...

Well, not so fast with that scholarships statement. Those are out there, and if any child in the U.S. sticks with it, they'll have a better chance at getting a scholarship to college playing soccer, than playing football, basketball, or baseball.

Domestically, I am not saying we have the greatest league (but we do have Beckham!). Professionally, we have the MLS, USL (and Atlanta Silverbacks), and many off-shoots of those two, most notably a Professional Development League Club just down US98, playing on Panama City Beach. A few may have heard of them, the Panama City Pirates.

And as far as having no shot at playing Europe, I would estimate the United States having no less than 60-70 Players playing somewhere in Europe, and quite few of them plying their trade in the world's most competitive leagues, such as The Premiership in England, La Liga in Spain, The Bundesliga in Germany, Ligue 1 in France, the Italian League, and many other European Leagues of note. (http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=players)

Giving up has never been part of the American Spirit, and let's hope it never is. The Soccer Evolution has started, in South Walton and many other places in the United States. Our best is yet to come!


I'm with you, STL Don. Go USA Women's Team. Represent!

[Minnie]

Dressage is on Oxygen right now.:wub: It is so beautiful to watch!

Thank you so much for this reminder, I forget about the alternate channel showings and I love the Equestrian events.

I was so glad Lochtie from Daytona beach won a swimming Gold Medal, his Dad coached him when he was young and he was so proud. :clap:

[singinchicken]

Well, not so fast with that scholarships statement. Those are out there, and if any child in the U.S. sticks with it, they'll have a better chance at getting a scholarship to college playing soccer, than playing football, basketball, or baseball.

I guess I never got to where I was headed with my statement...
The money isn't there unless you are one of the very few who do make the bigs in a league anywhere other than the States. Beckham is an anomoly. True, that there are probably some in the MSL who make good money, but they would be the marquis players, and then, it drops off significantly.

[kzbird]

My son was offered a soccer scholarship for this year to Mercer but turned it down ( he also received a large academic scholarship) because he wants to concentrate on studies his first year. The scholarships are definitely out there for the players who want them and are committed to 10 months of training for division 1 and 2 schools. For many kids it's a great way to pay for their education. I have seen how the soccer programs have really grown in Atlanta over the last 30 years and the number of talented players is amazing. The clubs here don't have enough field space for the number of kids signing up to play. Soccer has truly exploded onto the scene in the US!
GO USA WOMEN!!!

[TooFarTampa]

Well, not so fast with that scholarships statement. Those are out there, and if any child in the U.S. sticks with it, they'll have a better chance at getting a scholarship to college playing soccer, than playing football, basketball, or baseball.


I have nothing against soccer, but I am curious about this statement. Aren't there many more college scholarships for football than any of these three other sports? Can you quote stats backing up your statement? I really am curious, because I know that men's soccer has been one of the victims of scholarship cuts in the past decade or so. I would be very surprised if there were indeed more soccer scholarships than either football, baseball, or basketball. Shocked, actually.

[DCFinSCB]

I have nothing against soccer, but I am curious about this statement. Aren't there many more college scholarships for football than any of these three other sports? Can you quote stats backing up your statement? I really am curious, because I know that men's soccer has been one of the victims of scholarship cuts in the past decade or so. I would be very surprised if there were indeed more soccer scholarships than either football, baseball, or basketball. Shocked, actually.

Ahhh! But that is not what I said.

To be clear, I don't argue which sports offer more scholarships overall in college. It might be football, or it might not (a lot of schools cut football due to Title IX). My point is rather that after a certain age, the number of kids playing soccer drops off also (as pointed out by someone else earlier), as many of the better athletes defect to more traditional sports like football, basketball, or baseball. This limits not only the pool of players competing for scholarships, but the level of player also.

Also, if you are a very talented soccer player at a young age (even 14 years old in some cases), you don't even go to college and play. This narrows the pool of players looking for scholarships even more.

And finally, unless you are a goalkeeper, you can play nearly any position on the field in soccer. Many times, players who started out in the back move up to a midfield position or forwards move back, etc., etc., unlike many other sports where you learn a position and pretty much are expected to continue your path in that position. This, instead of narrowing the talent pool for soccer, means that as long as you are a good field player anywhere on the pitch, the chances are there is a coach out there that wants you.

So in sum, if a kid sticks with soccer, there may not be as many scholarships in total out there as traditional American sports (football, basketball, baseball), but there will be plenty opportunities to get a chance to help good ol' mom and dad out once it is time to get an advanced education.

Also, you get the fringe benefit of learning to play a sport that you can play outdoors, on grass (usually), with friends (some new, some old, many from all over the world), and continue to play into your 60's.

I think it is a great opportunity for many youth, and I hope they take advantage of it. It is a unique situation in the U.S. right now, but it won't be forever.

Go USA Women's Gymnasts!!!

[TooFarTampa]

Thank you for the clarification on what you were saying. It makes sense but the only caveat I would add is that many scholarships for soccer (and baseball, and other non-football, non-basketball sports) are partial, and often don't add up to even half. So I think it is wise for any parent of any young athlete (in any sport) to avoid assuming a certain amount of help will be there. :wave: Truly I have nothing against soccer, a few of my favorite athletes play soccer.

And wow, how about those gymnasts? :yikes:

[jdarg]

OK- I have an Olympics confession to make. I think the underage Chinese gymnasts sent me over the edge with the gymnastics. I have always been creeped out by women's gymnastics (ok- be honest- children's gymnatics). It is not just China and Russia- the USA is just as guilty in basically "factory farming" these little girls into gymnastics machines- ruining their bodies and minds at such a young age. Between the eating disorders and injuries that ruin them for life, I can't be a gymnastics fan. It is just a yucky sport.

[TooFarTampa]

OK- I have an Olympics confession to make. I think the underage Chinese gymnasts sent me over the edge with the gymnastics. I have always been creeped out by women's gymnastics (ok- be honest- children's gymnatics). It is not just China and Russia- the USA is just as guilty in basically "factory farming" these little girls into gymnastics machines- ruining their bodies and minds at such a young age. Between the eating disorders and injuries that ruin them for life, I can't be a gymnastics fan. It is just a yucky sport.

I agree with much of that. I feel like the Chinese authorities are probably holding those poor girls' parents at gunpoint or something, lest they tell the truth about their ages. :( I don't like the grip that the Karolyis have on the U.S. team. It appears there are other coaches who are working their way up in the system, which is a good thing.

Shawn Johnson seems to have a relatively normal upbringing, with great parents, and she and Nastia sure looked like impressive young girls/ladies. So that was very refreshing to see.

As for the sport itself ... I am a former competitive gymnast, and trust me when I tell you that some people are meant to just hang upside down, do flips and bounce all over the place. :D I am one of them ... when I got too tall, I successfully segued into competitive diving, which is much easier on the body and mentality. Katiefunn will be doing tumbling classes as soon as she is able because she is telling me that is what she wants to do. (I did not even think about it until she started climbing, dangling from the monkey bars, and doing splits without prompting.) I tell you it is something you are born with. It is just some sort of internal need to hang upside down. It is very therapeutic and lots of funn, unless your coach is a Karolyi. :wave:

[Mango]

Hello, I'm Mango and was an endorphin junkie who ran competitive track and field. :wave: Then I realized I would never outgrow my duck feet, place well enough for the Olympics, and quit.

Yes, I was taken back by the obvious disregard for the rules. I believe her name was Lin Lin, and she didn't look a day over 13 at best. But who was going to question the host country who obviously produced their passports? What an enormous amount of pressure for such youngsters. Everyone was there to see them gold and they had to deliver. Even here in the States parents can even place an enormous amount of expectation on their children to win or enter a sport. But, if a child really takes an interest in a sport and enjoys it, it can be extremely rewarding learning teammanship and discipline.

Now I am aging myself, but didn't Bela Carolyi coach Nadia Comanechi?

[highwayjunkie]

I think considering the hurtles the mens gymnastics had to overcome ( injuries being the big one) to even place a medal, it was only normal to get pumped up and excited. I think that there is juuust a little to much of a negative spirit on this thread. You should be proud of our guys (AND GIRLS). What about when guys in the NFL bang their helmets and talk all that smack? I don't hear many people complaining...nope, they call up their friends and have a party! Hey, I love it... that is the true heart of a competitive spirit, wanting to win. Some celebrate quietly, and others are more vocal. Try to think about it like this. If you were up there shooting for a medal as the UNDERDOG....would you just sit on your hands and whisper to your fellow team member, hey shhhhhh, get pumped up? I love it!! USA!!!!

[TooFarTampa]

I think considering the hurtles the mens gymnastics had to overcome ( injuries being the big one) to even place a medal, it was only normal to get pumped up and excited. I think that there is juuust a little to much of a negative spirit on this thread. You should be proud of our guys (AND GIRLS). What about when guys in the NFL bang their helmets and talk all that smack? I don't hear many people complaining...nope, they call up their friends and have a party! Hey, I love it... that is the true heart of a competitive spirit, wanting to win. Some celebrate quietly, and others are more vocal. Try to think about it like this. If you were up there shooting for a medal as the UNDERDOG....would you just sit on your hands and whisper to your fellow team member, hey shhhhhh, get pumped up? I love it!! USA!!!!


Nice post. And I now agree with goofer that these are the most exciting Olympics I've ever seen*. That 100 fly finish tonight? Unbelieveable!

*Disregard post No. 1 on this thread.

[highwayjunkie]

not to belittle their accomplishment by any means, a bronze is wonderful - but.....why was the gymnastics team so arrogant? they were danged lucky to get that bronze from what i've read in the paper about the team being put together at the last minute, etc.

"That's how you do it, baby!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah...We heard you the first five times you said it. A little humility would have been nice. Some of them seem to go from being very appreciative of the effort that the team was putting out to arrogance at light speed. Enjoy your bronze because I don't think any of them placed higher than 4th in any element...

i think there's a fine line between being spirited winners and being arrogant. i think a part of all sports programs should be teaching people to be gracious winners as well as gracious losers



Forgot to quote

[Tootsie]

I have always loved gymnastics - maybe my favorite olympic event. well, ice skating is also a fave in winter olymp's.

the US teams have worked hard and have so much to be proud of! the scoring was a little scary, and the obvious commitment made by each competitor and coach and country is very intense when you really look at it - and I get jdargs points completely. kind of how football grosses me out but in different ways (its all for winning and making $$$).

I do not like to think about parents pushing children to extreme limits though. unfortunately this is true in many kinds of sports or other endeavors, all over the world including USA.

the announcer made a comment the other night that the chinese girls see their families once a year. it is a commitment that I cannot fathom. one of the girls wanted to go home but her family refused to let her - its a matter of family pride to have a child selected for olympic training, etc.

TFT - I didn't know you were a gymnast and a diver!!!!! did you ever do synchronized diving? what an interesting sport... :blink::biggrin::wave: glad katie has decided what she wants to do with her early life... who knows - maybe she'll be short and get to keep tumbling away.

[Tootsie]

Nice post. And I now agree with goofer that these are the most exciting Olympics I've ever seen*. That 100 fly finish tonight? Unbelieveable!

*Disregard post No. 1 on this thread.

:biggrin: you are funny. and you and goofer are so right! so exciting! I've been blown away since the opening ceremony.

[TooFarTampa]

TFT - I didn't know you were a gymnast and a diver!!!!! did you ever do synchronized diving? what an interesting sport... :blink::biggrin::wave:

Ha, yes! It is interesting isn't it. I am still not sure about it as a medal event. But I guess if it had been done since 1900 instead of 2000, it wouldn't seem so odd. There definitely are skill sets involved, and when it is done well it is very impressive. If it disappeared most people would not care or notice. :lol: I did it in the late 80s when it was just getting started and won my age group a couple of times at the Sunshine State Games ... however that was no big thing since there weren't that many of us. :blush:

[Tootsie]

Ha, yes! It is interesting isn't it. I am still not sure about it as a medal event. But I guess if it had been done since 1900 instead of 2000, it wouldn't seem so odd. There definitely are skill sets involved, and when it is done well it is very impressive. If it disappeared most people would not care or notice. :lol: I did it in the late 80s when it was just getting started and won my age group a couple of times at the Sunshine State Games ... however that was no big thing since there weren't that many of us. :blush:

pic pleeeze... :clap: love hearing this about you!

now, speaking of pics, where is RO? is he still in sowal? I saw TFT's face. Will see paula's face in a few days. I need to see Otter's face.

TFT - your kids are too darling. katie is lucky she didn't get her cheek pinched by the short italian. I had my eye on her cheeks and even admitted to punzy about how poor katie's cheeks were at serious risk.

[Miss Kitty]

:clap:...loved TFT's confession! I would have been way over the moon if you had been a synchronized swimmer girl! I just love all that makeup, slicked back hair and the NOSEPLUGS...really fires me up! :biggrin:

[jdarg]

:clap:...loved TFT's confession! I would have been way over the moon if you had been a synchronized swimmer girl! I just love all that makeup, slicked back hair and the NOSEPLUGS...really fires me up! :biggrin:

I am thinking this could be a SoWal.com sponsored team. Could we practice in secret at the back Watercolor pool?

[Minnie]

Did not think I would ever say this based on his previous behavior off the court, but Kobe did himself and the US proud in an interview last night. :clap:

The announcer asked him it was cool to be excited and proud to be an Olympic athlete and he rightly said he was very proud to represent the USA in basketball.

That in past years the team has not taken the right attitude about the games and this team would be very different.

I was very pleased with his comments.

I have also been impressed with the warm reception, even during the gymnastics when it became obvious the Chinese girl was going to lose to the Americans, of how appreciative the audience is off all the participants.

[singinchicken]

...Colby did himself and the US proud in an interview last night. :clap:


Sorry...I gotta play Miss Kitty here...
It's Kobe!

Torres missed the gold by 1/100th of a sec. From the top it looked like she touched first...

[NoHall]

Women's marathon winner: 38 years old.

Dara Torres, 50M freestyle silver: 41 years old.

Conclusion: I'm not too old to medal in an Olympic event. Very exciting.

[Minnie]

Sorry...I gotta play Miss Kitty here...
It's Kobe!

Torres missed the gold by 1/100th of a sec. From the top it looked like she touched first...

Thank you, your right.:blink: I had a student named Colby Bryant and I guess I just typed without even thinking.

You may correct my spelling anytime. :clap:

[Miss Kitty]

Thank you, China...well done! I am always sad when the Olympics come to an end...but I loved how London rocked the house for 2012!! :clap:

[Johnrudy]

Thank you, China...well done! I am always sad when the Olympics come to an end...but I loved how London rocked the house for 2012!! :clap:

I missed it. But when you say London rocked the house, are you referring to Jimmy Page? I read where he was going to perform at the closing ceremonies and it just now occurred to me that they meant London. :idontno:

[Mermaid]

Thank you, China...well done! I am always sad when the Olympics come to an end...but I loved how London rocked the house for 2012!! :clap:

Tonight's closing ceremonies were just as wonderful though so different from the opening! I like it that on closing day, it's all about the atheletes, that's it's their party. As it should be.

I have to confess that when the London double-decker came out, I was wondering how soon I should start buttering up Merman's brother so he'll save a room in his house for us. Only a short train ride into the city and I could see the Olympics up close and personal...:wub::clap::wub:

[Tootsie]

wow. we so enjoyed the whole thing. from opening ceremony to closing. and the competition we were able to catch. loved all the highlights, interviews of coaches and athletes, and just all of it. China is a most wonderful host. thank you China. thank you people of China. thank you athletes of the world.