Lately, I've been watching a lot of 'jock TV,' aka The Olympics. Some neat moments, demonstrating the commitment and dedication that so many youthful competitors put into the thing. Some shameful moments, such as the badminton cheating incident. Started watching female beach volleyball for the babes, and began to appreciate the effort it takes and the skill they develop. I felt for the Russian woman with the heavily taped shoulder, who kept it up until the last ball had dropped.
Of course, my pet peeve is with the designation of M.Phelps as "the greatest Olympian."Nonsense. I'm glad they changed that to "the most decorated" Olympian. Many other could qualify as great. Fanny Blankers-Coen in '48, running and wining in four events, just three years after having been in a world war. Or Emil Zatopek, the runner with such dogged determination. Of course, I think that almost any medalist in the male Decathlon, or the Women's Pentathlon would be greater than Phelps. They must be competent and superior in multiple disciplines, rather than just in one venue.
Dumbest comments from Olympic TV: "She finishes a solid sixth in this race…" An attempt to put a bit of shine on a near-to-last-place finish by a Canadian cyclist in the sprints. At the moment, I'm feeling a bit more up, as Canada currently leads Great Britain in soccer, 2-0. Ready to cheer if it lasts. Got to see Christine Sinclair 'bend it like Beckham' for the second goal in a penalty shot.
Reflecting on the Games always produces ambivalence in me. Such courage and determination on the past of some, such cold-eyed killer instinct on the part of others. Such beauty and power, and such egotism and pettiness. I also shudder to think of the cost of the Games, while multiple millions starve because of a dearth of funding for food aid.
It's weird how I flip-flop around. I enjoy many events, and then one comes along, like Phelps with his umpteenth medal race, and I think, "Why doesn't he just take the pile of medals and get on with the endorsements and the ads?" As I watched the heats for the Women's 100 Metre race, I was touched by the beauty, regalness and power of some of these ladies. One or two look like they could rip up the field wit their teeth - lionesses, really! But they managed to do the whole thing with such class.
I admit to being a hopeless homer as I watch. "Go Canada!…" But I guess we don't spend quite enough money on their training, for they so often miss by just a hair. (Should make Harper happy: few Canadians beat the US and thus piss off his best friends!) See how small I can be when the flag is flying and the legs are kicking?
I will enjoy the track events, especially the longer distances. That's where GREAT athleticism comes to the fore. Training, ability and guts does it. I can hardly wait to see another fleet African roar home in the 5000 meter or the marathon. Or perhaps it will be an Egyptian or a Tunisian. Somehow, this sort of thing seems symbolic for me. The long distance people are those who have learned how to suffer and who can turn that into success. I believe our own Clara Hughes does that. Training for her final Olympics with a broken bone in her back because she just wanted to be in it again. She looked as pleased with her fifth place finish in the time trials as if she had won She was there! She was in it! I'm so glad she embraces Right To Play. And I'm so glad she's a Winnipegger! (See how small I am?) More after the races.
Of course, my pet peeve is with the designation of M.Phelps as "the greatest Olympian."Nonsense. I'm glad they changed that to "the most decorated" Olympian. Many other could qualify as great. Fanny Blankers-Coen in '48, running and wining in four events, just three years after having been in a world war. Or Emil Zatopek, the runner with such dogged determination. Of course, I think that almost any medalist in the male Decathlon, or the Women's Pentathlon would be greater than Phelps. They must be competent and superior in multiple disciplines, rather than just in one venue.
Dumbest comments from Olympic TV: "She finishes a solid sixth in this race…" An attempt to put a bit of shine on a near-to-last-place finish by a Canadian cyclist in the sprints. At the moment, I'm feeling a bit more up, as Canada currently leads Great Britain in soccer, 2-0. Ready to cheer if it lasts. Got to see Christine Sinclair 'bend it like Beckham' for the second goal in a penalty shot.
Reflecting on the Games always produces ambivalence in me. Such courage and determination on the past of some, such cold-eyed killer instinct on the part of others. Such beauty and power, and such egotism and pettiness. I also shudder to think of the cost of the Games, while multiple millions starve because of a dearth of funding for food aid.
It's weird how I flip-flop around. I enjoy many events, and then one comes along, like Phelps with his umpteenth medal race, and I think, "Why doesn't he just take the pile of medals and get on with the endorsements and the ads?" As I watched the heats for the Women's 100 Metre race, I was touched by the beauty, regalness and power of some of these ladies. One or two look like they could rip up the field wit their teeth - lionesses, really! But they managed to do the whole thing with such class.
I admit to being a hopeless homer as I watch. "Go Canada!…" But I guess we don't spend quite enough money on their training, for they so often miss by just a hair. (Should make Harper happy: few Canadians beat the US and thus piss off his best friends!) See how small I can be when the flag is flying and the legs are kicking?
I will enjoy the track events, especially the longer distances. That's where GREAT athleticism comes to the fore. Training, ability and guts does it. I can hardly wait to see another fleet African roar home in the 5000 meter or the marathon. Or perhaps it will be an Egyptian or a Tunisian. Somehow, this sort of thing seems symbolic for me. The long distance people are those who have learned how to suffer and who can turn that into success. I believe our own Clara Hughes does that. Training for her final Olympics with a broken bone in her back because she just wanted to be in it again. She looked as pleased with her fifth place finish in the time trials as if she had won She was there! She was in it! I'm so glad she embraces Right To Play. And I'm so glad she's a Winnipegger! (See how small I am?) More after the races.
Dad - you have summed up my sentiments pretty near exactly regarding the Olympics. I did watch some of them, but had the same dilemma...enjoyed seeing some of the great tests of human will and strength, but hated much of what else I saw, not to mention the realization of the exorbitant cost of the entire event. Thanks for the post...I read them all, BTW! (good to know you enjoyed the e-books my sibs gave you - how was the Martin Sheen book?) xoxo J
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