The Olympics

I don't know a whole lot about swimming. I don't go out of my way to either watch it or do it. In fact, the only time I prefer swimming is when the alternative is drowning. But I do like the Olympics, have ever since I was a little kid and the USA had to sports battles with the evil empire. So last night I found myself watching the finals of the Men's 4 x 100 meter freestyle swimming. The story of Michael Phelps' attempt to make individual history is interesting. He seems like a nice guy and so I tuned in to see if he would be able to continue on his quest.

The announcers led into the race by stating how much of a favorite the French team was, how it would be almost impossible for the Americans or anyone else to win. Then they told how the French captain had said that his team would smash the Americans, that what was they were there for. So I watched hoping he would proven wrong. Sports is one of the great stages for drama no matter the sport. We really don't know what is going to happen. Watching the final leg of the relay, with the French captain in the lead and the American anchor closing was fantastic. The ending was fantastic. Jason Lezak caught the French swimmer and touched the wall in world record time. It was incredible as was the fact that the top five teams broke the old world record. But the part that will stick with me longest is the sight of Michael Phelps standing on the edge of the pool cheering Lezak on down the stretch, quickly looking up at the scoreboard to see who won and then celebrating with unadulterated joy when he saw that his team had won.

It was a great example of why we play games long after we are no longer kids and regardless of the fact that it is for pay or love of the game. I would bet that last night's win was the highlight of his Olympics. I am so glad that I had the chance to see it live without knowing the result ahead of time.

Olympic Gold

I was up late last night/early this morning and watched some of the Women's Olympic Fencing on USA Network. I was surprised how different the competition was from how fencing is portrayed on TV and in films. There was a lot of wild lunging and wild "swings." It was interesting how close each match was. The USA was able to win all three medals, including the first gold of these games.
Also, there was some wild Badminton action in singles action. The court looks so small to hit the shuttlecock into but so large to cover by yourself. The players I saw were making some incredible shots.

The Olympic Spirit survives

The Olympic hopes of South African double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius were brightened today after it was ruled he would be allowed to compete for a spot on his nation's team.

Read All About it NY Times, ESPN