Random Thoughts About the Olympics

As we’ve previously mentioned, there is a lot of Olympic fever in our household right now. It is hard NOT to be so excited about the games when you live next door to a former Olympic village. It really is contagious… and fun as hell.

Here are some random thoughts about the games thus far:

• I didn’t expect it to match what China pulled off, especially at a tenth of the price… but I was pretty underwhelmed by the opening ceremony, even before the mechanical malfunction.
• Short track is as exciting as it comes, but I’m not sure how I feel about the chaos that can determine success or failure. The Korean skaters taking each other out in the last lap to give Ohno and Celski medals was one of the more incomprehensible things I’ve seen in sports… yet at the same time, it was also one of the more exhilarating
• Speaking of Apolo Ohno. Is it really fair that one guy has so much going for him? Superstar athlete, movie star looks, charismatic and smart… and he can dance?
• Speaking of incomprehensible things in sports… how on earth is it fair that half of the field had to start the biathlon in a sleet storm? Local athlete Tim Burke was one of those who got shafted by Mother Nature, so it is possible I just have sour grapes over it.
• NBC’s coverage of the biathlon was atrocious as well. They were bouncing all around the place, not really keeping up with the leaders… and didn’t even show some of the Americans’ shooting.
• Consider me a new fan of the Nordic combined. That race was outstanding and Billy Demong’s effort to pull even with the leaders’ pack after starting 24th was simply inspirational. That guy is my new hero.
• By the way, I really think they should let them take two jumps in that event
• It is hard not to like Shaun White, but I’m still annoyed by all things snowboarding. Maybe I’ll change my mind on that after I actually get out on a board, I’ve promised myself I’d give it a try next time I’m on the slopes.
• I don’t know a ton about freestyle skiing, but Hannah Kearney’s finals run was as close to sporting perfection as I think I’ve seen in awhile
• The story of Canadian mogul skier Alexandre Bilodeau and his brother Frederic, who has cerebral palsy, is really touching.
• Johnny Weir is weird

And finally…

Bring on hockey!