Me And The Olympics
For decades, I was a rabid watcher of the Olympics.
Summer games; winter games – all had me glued to a TV set.
I missed little of what was being televised – even when i was preparing for the D.C. Bar Exam!
This watching has come to a halt for a few reasons.
One is that the entity that gets the rights [by shelling out beaucoup bucks] seem to think we all want to hear them yammer away as if their voices are more important than watching the athletes.
And – too often we see only events where "Americans" are expected to do well…
I long ago accepted the fact that the Olympics were no longer amateur athletes competing…but professional people competing for medals and the endorsement money that goes with winning gold.
But in the last few years, since I now live on the West Coast, the TV people have decreed I must wait for "my" prime time to see a lot of what they are showing.
Another is that some athletes are playing poorly to avoid certain opponents and those winning Silver say things like a 2nd place win was shattering….not shattering good – but shattering in a bad sense.
At least the tankers were disqualified – but are appealing that of course.
Me I'd be happy to be on the team!
Just being among the best should be an honor. And I'd play my best too!
This all adds up to my not watching at all this summer – and, sadly, not missing it either 
Besides I can see results online…
I’ve never really been much of an Olympic fan, though I can certainly appreciate the work and sacrifice that goes into a person becoming so extraordinarily talented at *anything*. And, I like the feeling of national pride that comes along; we don’t seem to have that often enough these days. But that story yesterday of folks trying to throw their matches to get better situated in later games was just disturbing to me. Strategy is one thing, but that’s cheating!
Thanks Cheri – I too appreciate the work, especially as I have played several sports at the way-less-than-amateur-level 🙂
The not trying and the whining get to me – it’s supposed to be an honor to even get there but I know some countries almost demand a medal form their athletes – so they do anything to win
Lynn
I am NOT a fan of the Olympics. Oh, I could possibly be induced, but it has been manipulated into a jingoistic display for which I have no use.
And, YOU can enjoy the Olympics. You can watch it live here: http://www.nbcolympics.com/ Pick your event. Turn OFF your sound. Enjoy the Olympics, without the drivel.
Thanks Roy – I could watch online but decided to skip it all this time around and it feels good – put cable on hold for a bit too and enjoying life without any TV…[TV is so old I need cable to watch anything]
Lynn