Like the UN, the Olympics are an expression of a beautiful idea and a tribute to some of our higher ideals. Unlike the UN, the Olympics come much closer to the goal. Granted, the Beijing 2008 Olympics were almost doomed before its start by sheer politics, something that often derails the best of efforts. China kicked back with an astonishingly well-crafted and beautiful program during the opening ceremonies that stunned viewers in its scope and vision. It's easy to forget China's vast millenia of history, but we were all reminded that morning.
The parade of nations is always so poignant, even if it is long (and grows longer every four years). It drives home the point that we're so different, yet the same. The great thing about sports is that it's the purest form of natural talent. There may not be respect for one another's country, but there's always respect for someone running or swimming beside you. It's just amazing to see athletes from over 200 nations and over 80 heads of state gathered in one place celebrating human achievement.
The Olympics aren't perfect, and certainly doesn't solve anything. Countries still get invaded, nuclear weapons exist, etc. But as long as something fundamental exists that ties people together, we'll survive.
Instead of preparing for office hours, I've spent all of my time drooling over the swimming events. I did see the monumental 4 by 100 relay, and it was beyond spectacular. To put it bluntly, it was a superhuman effort that embodies some of the best in teamwork. His team needed the win, and Lezak rose mightily to the occasion and more. His determination was spectacular, his performance Herculean. The great thing about sports is that it's so primal (you only had to look at his teammates screaming like hyenas) and pushes people to really go beyond their best. It also embodies the beauty of what people can accomplish together.
Then again, people also do shit things when they're together like plotting to take over the world and creating misery for others. Everything's give and take. Also, for every professional athlete, there are ten idiots (not that professional athletes are known to be terribly smart in general). I was reading a BBC article on whether or not Michael Phelps was the greatest Olympian of all time. Of course, the comment board was resounding with nays. The Brits feel that the greatest Olympian is the Brit Steven Redgrave, who won five gold medals in rowing in five consecutive Olympics. Honestly, I don't know if Michael Phelps can be considered the greatest Olympian ever. It's clearly a case of comparing apples to oranges. However, as with any open forum, most of the comments were ridiculous.
First, it was clear that very few people knew anything about swimming. Those were the smart people. Then other people complained about the number of events in swimming and suggested that Carl Lewis could have won more medals if track had created events such as running backwards and flapping your arms as quickly as possible. Frankly, the comparison to swimming is just a bit insulting, even if I am a bit biased as an ex-swimmer. Other dumb comments suggested that Phelps wasn't a worthy Olympic champion because so few people access to swimming facilities. This old school Olympic games aficionado suggested that if you threw everyone in the pool, someone would beat Phelps and further implied that running was the only true sport since everyone could do it. Right...and your national hero Steven Redgrave's sport rowing would certainly be disqualified since it's a lot more exclusive, expensive, and equipment heavy than swimming.
Clearly, it's popular to spout loads of bull on which you know nothing of and sound like a complete idiot. I should try to open my mouth before I formulate reasonable arguments in the future. However terrible most of the British comments were, the American comments were even worse by comparison. A quarter of the comments gloated on France's utter humiliation in the 4 by 100, especially after their incendiary boasts the day before, and three quarters of the comments blasted France for not entering the Iraq war on the side of the Americans. I love how the average American is so ignorant, close-minded, and thinks of everything in terms of politics.
The Olympics are already rife with politics and scandal. For heavens sake, the point is trying to minimize the ill-will and politicking that goes on, not fan the flames. We have enough of it in the real world. Every four years, we try to celebrate human achievement, sportsmanship, and the very best that individuals have to offer. It's a pity that people and countries (ahem, Iran) can't put aside their differences for a few short weeks and see the Olympics for what it should be: pure talent and inspiration.
On a lighter note, the message boards are also full of comments on the runway show that the 200+ nations provided for us. There were mixed comments but admiration for the US team's natty Ralph Lauren attire (sans the logo and the cap). Some people accused the team of being too commercial and not ethnic enough. Personally, I'll pass on the wigs and the stockings. Someone also commented on the Chinese team's terrible yellow and red outfits as egg and tomato soup, which doesn't go well with the team's skin color. I did think that was hilarious. I did like the Chinese women marching before the men, though. Communism does have a few virtues. In all, the Olympics remind us all of our great potential and by the same token, our great mediocrity.
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