Olympic observations
So far, these are the Games of the Super Swimmer, Teen Queens and Bikini Beach Babes.
Redeem Team is heating up, but the World's Fastest Human will not be American Tyson Gay.
Gay's sputter in the 100 semis today is my biggest disappointment so far. It derails what might have been the most competitive dash in Olympics history. Now it's up to Florida State alum Walter Dix to battle Jamaicans Bolt and Powell. It take take a world record to win, but I don't think Dix is capable of that yet.
Whether that race will be shown live by NBC, I don't know. Live track coverage doesn't seem to be the network's priority.
One bright spot on the track so far was Carolina grad Shalane Flanagan's bronze in the 10,000 meters. She set an American record -- after recovering from food poisoning earlier in the week.
I didn't manage to catch any TV on that, if there was any.
NBC seems to be all-Phelps, May-Walsh, Johnson-Liukin, all the time.
I don't begrudge any of it. Michael Phelps, seven golds so far, is setting an historic standard. He's incredible, and his victory in the 100 fly was absolutely amazing. He won by a fingertip. What's more, he's a terrific young man, well-spoken and humble.
Gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson, gold and silver in the all-around, are really poised and personable young women. They truly supported each other even while competing for the gold -- models of sportsmanship.
On that subject, could Kobe Bryant be working any harder to polish his image? He's giving interviews to everyone, in three languages, proclaiming his pride in his country and leading Redeem Team on a straight path to the gold -- provided they get past tough-as-nails Spain today.
Meanwhile, we can look forward to more (over)exposure of Misty May and Kerri Walsh. Well, beside their obvious appeal, they're outstanding athletes who deserve the acclaim they earn every four years. But let's ask the question: If they were wearing boxer shorts like the guys, would NBC give them so much TV time?
Update: Wow! Usain "Lightning" Bolt flashes to a world record victory in 9.69 seconds. Dix takes third behind Trinidad's Richard Thompson.
No coverage on NBC or its affiliates that I could find.
Comments (4)
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No coverage on NBC or its affiliates that I could find* Doug
Strange! On my cable, I am able to access 2 other channels running the games with various events, Boxing, Baseball, and a host of many minor events.
Are you aware, their is a event call "midget Blogging at it's worst!" The winner gets a special Conehead medal.
Posted on August 16, 2008 6:38 PM
More disappointing: Gay or Lagat?
Kobe may be saying the right things, but he's also jacking too many contested 3s (though he's been better in the past two games).
I feel bad for the other swimmers. Phelps is getting all the love, but Lochte, Peirsol, Coughlin, and Soni all had great meets.
Posted on August 18, 2008 1:18 PM
Gay or Lagat is a tough call for biggest disappointment. I don't think Gay would have kept up with Bolt, but maybe he would have made it closer.
Lagat didn't look good to me in the first round, so I wasn't totally surprised that he failed to get through the semis.
He's getting a little old to be a 1500 runner, anyway. I expect him to do better in the 5000 although the competition is going to be really tough.
Posted on August 18, 2008 1:24 PM
Gay would have kept up with Bolt, but maybe he would have made it closer* Doug
Bolt just might be the first runner arrested in Olympics history by the Chinese Police for exceeding the speed limit before a mob.
I am totaly convince the Mr Bolt is the fastest human being in the Universe and should be booked on the next Shuttle fight.
Posted on August 18, 2008 9:40 PM