Why, oh why, did it run over until 12:freaking:30 this morning? In my exhaustion I can only guess it takes the gymnastics judges that long to count on their fingers.
My heart breaks for Alicia. Really it does, but they really tripped over something that’s been bothering me since the opening of the Games. They walked in broken and battered, with girls sitting on the sidelines, hoping and praying they could eek out a Bronze. But once Gold flittered into their peripheral view, that was it. Bringing home the Silver was a case of Epic Fail.
I’ve noticed this in a lot of other athletes—female swimmers being a biggy. Once upon a time, an Olympic medal—regardless of it’s color—was an awesome and celebrated achievement. But now, though there ARE exceptions, Silver means disappointment, crying, glares, hissy fits…failure.
I understand disappointment—everybody dreams of the Gold—but the Gold or nothing mentality gets to me.
Maybe my mood’s a little off, but it’s almost ruining the events for me. If that medal isn’t good enough for you, then fine—give it to the guy who’s trained his entire life and whose entire country mortgaged itself to get him there even though they and everybody else knows he doesn’t have a chance at a medal—never HAD a chance—just because, by God, it’s an honor to represent his country, and then go home, cry in your Wheaties (which will have someone else’s face on the box) and watch Cool Runnings.
Moving on, I know Michael Phelps undergoes stringent testing, but is anybody else waiting for the eventual bad news? Can he just naturally be that much better than some of the very best swimmers on the planet? Call me a cynic, but I don’t think so.
I wish they’d show shooting instead of beach volleyball.
Do they even do equestrian events anymore? When I was a kid, those were my favorites of the summer games. (I’m a winter game lover.)
After all the hype I don’t think I’ve seen Torres swim.
I anxiously await Shawn Miller and Nastia Liudken’s individual performances, diving that’s not synchronized and moguls (yeah, I’ve got a bit of a wait for that third event).
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Shan, that attitude isn’t just Olympic. The “best or or it doesn’t count” mentality can ruin any achievement. I’m trying to celebrate my own victories, like the honor of just being there.
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I understand the disappointment to some extent. I received an award I wasn’t expecting in January that put me into the running for a monetary prize. When I didn’t win the monetary prize I was disappointed.
Course, I put a smile on my face cause I’d rather DIE than let anyone know that I thought for a second I might win. I think it’s ok to be disappointed but it’s poor sportsmanship to make an ass of yourself over it. After the initial sting of disappointment is over, I’m just happy to have been recognized.
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I agree that it’s an honor to medal, no matter what color that medal is. I think our athletes should be reminded to be excited about medaling. Period. Like the men gymnasts did the other night when they eeked out the bronze, and celebrated making it to the podium at all.
I do, however, think Michael Phelps is one of the most amazing swimmers to ever compete. Can he lose? Of course. Anyone can. But he’s kicking some major ass and I’m enjoying the hell out of watching him do it. But I enjoy watching all the records break, no matter who’s doing the breaking.
I’m really entertained watching this Olympics, though I have my favorite events. There are some incredibly talented athletes competing.
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So maybe I shouldn’t blog OR watch Olympics when I’m exhausted and cranky? :doh:
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Before last night’s (or yesterday morning’s) events, I saw a report on the Nightly News that swimmers in 10 out of the 11 medal wins for the US were wearing a suit designed by NASA called the Laser (sp), and that scientists travel with the team to study how to make bodies slice through water most efficiently, and I had to laugh because it’s cool, but wth? Priorities much?
I love Shawn Johnson. What a cutie.
I also love 6’8″ swimmers with a 6’11” wing span. Sigh.
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Shan, it’s not just you being cranky. My husband was appalled over the Olympic athlete who took five gold medals and was called a failure by critics for not getting eight.
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I agree with you on a lot of this stuff. I was watching those girls last night, and I get disappointment in not winning, but geez. Mistakes happen, it’s a lot of pressure, but do your best and be proud to be there when so many others could not afford to be (as you said).
Canada is not normally great at supporting it’s Olympians (especially the summer ones). Although we notice they have been for the upcoming Winter Olympics (it’s about time) – which are going to be held in my lovely province. Then you’ll get your moguls and I get to say “oh yeah – I skied that hill, it’s nothing :boogie:” Yeah, black diamonds and me? Not so much. LOL
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:gaah: I can understand disappointment for the gymnast gals, but I wholeheartedly agree. Funny how perspective is, no? I was happy for them to get silver. Happy for the men to do as well as they did, also.
Michael Phelps is a machine and I hope for the sake over everyone, every damn drug test turns out negative. The local radio station was talking about those suits today. Funny how soooo many world records are getting smashed, eh? Who needs speed (the drug) when you can get SPEEDO ™.
Ah, well, I’ll be one of millions watching tonight, and writing during commercials.
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Additionally, this pool is deeper than most by a meter (I think it is) and the buoys on the lanes are designed to absorb the wash, so there are a lot of reasons swimmers are flying.
I’m wondering if the female gymnasts aren’t just frustrated that they were beat by children.