I’m a bit conflicted about the Olympics.  That shouldn’t come as a surprise to regular readers since that’s true about nearly everything.  I can’t help but wonder who is on the juice, the rampant country swapping makes it less compelling, and then there’s the nationalism (we’re superior because our athletes are better?) and incessant commercials.  Then again, I’m a sports junkie so I do my best to suppress those thoughts, mute the commercials, and embrace the competition and drama. 

I admit to being a bit nostalgic for when amateurs predominated, but despite the recent changes, the Olympics are still pretty cool.  People from all over the globe getting to know one another while competing, not fighting.

Hodgepodge of thoughts from week one:

• Second lowest point.  When Fox News interviewed some general following the lowest point, the tragic murder-suicide on day one.  Fox News “journalist”:  Should Americans be fearful?  Should they be concerned for their safety?  Should they take precautions?  American General:  Absolutely, yada, yada, yada.  Unbelievable unfounded fear-mongering.  In essence he was suggesting that any Americans that dared visit China were unsafe and that similar attacks could easily happen at any time to other visitors.  I couldn’t help but wonder if he had ever spent any time in China.  I’ve spent months walking and cycling through major Chinese cities by myself and have never felt unsafe.  That tragedy was the result of a disturbed person.  It was a random act of violence and that general (and Fox News by extension) is an embarrassment.

• I dig the cycling path along the rowing venue.  The Chinese are racing to abandon their bikes for motorcycles and cars, but I think those cyclist add a nice traditional touch to the rowing events.

• I double dig the marathon rallies in women’s badminton.

• The women’s road race looped around the Great Wall at Badaling.  When I hiked up to the Great Wall at Badaling Lionel Ritchie music was being piped in through cheap speakers tied to tree branches.  Nothing personal LR, but that definitely took away from the experience.

• Michael Phelps.  Genetic advantages (size of feet-superior dolphin kick, lung capacity-can stay underwater longer, wing span) plus a world class work ethic plus mental toughness plus excellent coaching/preparation.  The world records are the result of the suit, which apparently save .5 seconds per 60.  He beat Spitz by 12 seconds in the 200 free!  The key question for me, that I haven’t heard anyone else raise, is will his success lead to an upsurge in the number of young competitive swimmers in the U.S., ala Frank Shorter and running in the 70’s.  Hope so, it’s a great sport.  Other Phelps question, where will he end up among countries in the medal count?  I read he earns $5m/year right now from sponsors, but that’s expected to jump to $30m/year.  I predict school children will be writing reports about Phelps 100 years from now.  

• Chinese gymnasts, average height 4’9”, average weight 77lbs.  Those are some short, light, young looking 16 year olds.

• Disappointed with the lack of cultural teaching and learning.  Missed opportunity it seems.  I thought the commentary during the opening ceremonies was good (except for the bizarre “note the precision of their hands even when working at McDonalds or Starbucks”), but among many others, there are two important themes that have been slighted.  1) The two Chinas, the urban, wealthier, eastern portion of the country that makes up about 25% of the total and the rural, poorer, western portion that makes up about 75% of the total.  The first China tends to get 90% of the coverage.  2) The incredible population density in the eastern portion of the country where the Olympics are taking place.

• When is golf going to be added?  If there’s not room there’s always synchronized swimming.

• Usain Bolt. . . clean?  I said I’m TRYING to suppress cynical thoughts like that.