This was an awesome Summer Olympics. There were so many great moments to choose from and so many inspirational people to root for and admire. I watched Michael Phelps win his 8 golds in Beijing, but something about him this time around really shined. He seemed more grounded and comfortable in these Olympics and it showed in his performances. And despite the media’s attempts at pitting Lochte and Phelps against each other, I still saw a great comaraderie across the swim team. Awesome moments….and while we’re on the subject of swimming; how awesome was that comeback in men’s diving? David Boudia’s comeback dive to win gold over GB’s Tom Daley (little heart throb!) was sensational. What another great moment for Team USA.
But my absolute favorite US moment of the games was the women’s 4×100 relay where they broke the world record in commanding fashion. Absolutely.incredible. I love to run, but I’m a snail compared to these girls. The ease, the grace and the sheer power was breathtaking. It was my #1 favorite moment.
Track & Field provided me with so much inspiration. Usain Bolt….Oscar Pistorius? No words needed. Just incredible.
I can list so many more of my favorite moments, but then this post would just go on and on. One thing I can say is WOMEN RULE! It was so much fun seeing the women dominate and shine in these Olympic games. Soccer, volleyball, swimming, GYMNASTICS, basketball….the girls showed up to win! I’m so so proud of them!
Now….onto the Olympic coverage.
I’ve followed the Olympics for most of my life…but something about the coverage this time around was disappointing. I remember always crying when watching the short documentaries about the athletes. I remember watching the gymnastics coverage and feeling like I was a true spectator, watching more of the athletes compete. C’mon now, I nearly forgot about the rings apparatus in mens’ gymnastics…NBC failed to show it completely!
The evening coverage was awful. I know it was hard to stay spoiler-free in this media intense world, but c’mon – Bob Costas saying “Up next, the gold medal winning relay in Men’s Swimming”. Way to spoil it for us man. If it’s showing on the other side of the 2-minute commercials, then how about leaving out the “gold medal winning” part of it for those of us who did manage to stay spoiler free. Annoying.
And does it really have to go until midnight? I understand that local news has to air, but Access Hollywood? Entertainment tonight? How about forgoing those shows and save us from having to watch until midnight. Or better yet, air it live. I’d much rather prefer that – record it, and not have the stupid commentators spoil the results. Oh, that reminds me, why didn’t they air the Women’s Soccer later on that evening?! I really wanted to see that match and stayed up to watch it, only to find they didn’t air it. Ugh! I got it a couple of days later, but still….that was a pretty big match!
As for media in general…wow, I am amazed at some of the comments made throughout US media. First, Gabby Douglas’ hair?! Really people? If you can do what she does in your perfect hair-do and manicured nails, then you can complain. I seriously doubt she cares what her hair looks like when she’s flipping around on a 4 inch beam. Find something better to talk about…..like her grace under pressure or her radiant smile.
Lochte and Phelps faling to get gold….how many article headlines did I read that had “nightmare!” or “disappointing silver!” followed by the writer’s reasons for why Lochte/Phelps/or any other athlete only got silver/bronze. Ummmmm…..they got SILVER/BRONZE. They made it to the podium! They work harder than most of us can imagine. And that was American media. Shameful!
But despite all of that, the athletes made these Olympics really special to watch. I was a little depressed to see it all come to an end and got misty-eyed watching the joy and friendship seen among all of the athletes. They definitely made their mark in history. Congratulations!!! You’re all Olympians in my book and such great role models for our youth.
And Thank You London for being such a wonderful host!
I’m already deciding if Malia will be a swimmer, tennis player or runner.
Mike says he’d rather not see her play badminton. 😛
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