The Olympics: Recap

Over the last two weeks I blogged about the Olympics a few times - Seven to be exact! Here are a few of my thoughts as a recap of 2008 Summer Olympiad:

*I talked about the overall medal count here. It bothered me that, in reality, most don't care about silver and bronze. I think the USA makes a big deal with the overall medal count to make us fell like "WE WON."
*Interesting fact from here: China won 27 gold medals in judged sports. The United States won 4 gold medals in judged sports.
*Michael Phelps' performance was incredible. The 100 m Butterfly Final was unbelievable. The relay where Jason Lezak came from behind was another favorite moment.
*Gymnast Shawn Johnson is cute as a button.
*The hand motions on the balance beam bug me.
*Both US 4x100 m relay teams dropping the baton was disappointing.
*Usain Bolt's wins | records were ... jaw dropping! What makes them more incredible is that he's 21!
*The Opening Ceremonies amazed me in two ways: 1. the organization and precision of so many involved. 2. Li Ning's touch lighting sky walk. (It would be good if all other host cities leave Beijing alone and not try to duplicate what they did). It was what it was.
*I'd like to see more handball.
*Beach volleyball (volleyball in general) seemed like it got the most coverage ... to me!
*I'm a huge basketball fan but really didn't get into the "REDEEM TEAM." I am glad they won, and glad they were respectable ... just wasn't into them. Not sure why.
*Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page were closing ceremony highlights for me.

What were your highlights?

Going for Gold

I blogged about if one had a choice between one gold medal (one time) or 2 bronze and 4 silver...in an Olympic games, which would you choose. I asked several people the same question in conversations the last week and the overwhelming response was GOLD BABY!

In light of that...if Gold medal are what matter to us, why such a big deal about overall medal count. As of today the USA lead in overall medal count 79 to 76 over China. Click on Gold medal count ... it's China 43 to USA's 26.

I ask...if all that matters to most is Gold does this mean that China has better athletes then the USA? Do we (the media) keep an overall count to make the USA look better?

What do you think?

Olympics on the head!

The Summer Olympics only come around every four years. They only last for two weeks and then it's another four years.

Now I know some may be thinking, don't you have anything better to blog about than the olympics (especially since 4 of my last 6 have been Olympic related). Well my answer is yes I do have other things to blog about:

** I had a great day at church today. It was the first weekend in the last month that I didn't feel preoccupied with Tech related issues.
** I really enjoyed our birthday party for my son Jackson today. It was well rounded, organized and lots of fun! Matched his personality.
** I have a somewhat busy week. I am going to simplify it (only do what is ABSOLUTELY necessary - Man I wish I finished the 4-Hour Work Week book.
** I get to have lunch with a college roommate - Jeff Roberts. He's fun to hang with.
** Looking forward to speaking this next weekend.

How's that for non-olympic blogging! BTW - as I type, I am seeing a Chinese girl cry after a bad performance. You see it all in the olympics - in the words of wide world of sports - "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!"

Seinfeld on Olympics

You've probably heard this before but with all the close races in the Olympics, it's so relevant ... and funny!

I tried to find the video of this. Here is an audio clip.

Seven for Seven

Michael Phelps continues to amaze with his most unbelievable win. I think his win in the 100m Butterfly will be the most talked about coming back from behind winning by .01 second. (.01 SECOND!)

Made me think about how giving something extra when you don't think you have it ... makes a difference. There are other "life lessons" in there I am sure. Watch race here!

What was your take on Phelp's 100m Butterfly win?

Six for Six with Six

Michael Phelps just won his sixth gold medal in six tries with six world records.  Phe - nom - e - nal!

What if in one of the last two races he finishes second going, say 7-1 Golds vs. No Golds?  Will he lose any appeal if he doesn't go all the way?  Aren't we an all or nothing nation - especially when we expect it from someone?

Thoughts...  

What would you choose?

Olympic thought:

Would you rather have 2 bronze and 3 silvers .... or one gold?

Olympics are here!

I am getting excited about the Olympics.  Why?

*The opening ceremonies are pretty cool - for the first hour and half ...

*They only come around every four years.  

*The competition.

*The stories of those who participate and how some have overcome great challenges.

*Bob Costas - he's the best

*This Olympics, in China, has a special tie to our family.  We've traveled there and it will be good to see some of  the places we've seen.  Of course this does not endorse any human rights violations, political stance, or religious beliefs - not sure why I feel I have to clarify that!

*Swimming, Hoops, Track & Field are some of my favorites. 

*Gymnastics is a guilty pleasure .... Strength and grace together!

What are your favorite events at the olympics?