I have to admit I love the Olympics. I look forward to it every 4 years. I really love the spirit of the games and the sense of national pride that it engenders in us all. Its a chance for me to watch sports that I would not normally care about (swimming and equestrian to name a couple). I even get into watching the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony.
By far my favorite, however, are the track events. I grew up in Jamaica and track is a big deal there. This year is especially exciting because Jamaica has got some really good medal chances. I really get into rooting for the under-dogs in some events too. I sincerely hope that doping scandals do not ruin these games and the accomplishments of these amazingly talented athletes.
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
Long & Foster Real Estate
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Stacey-Ann, I also look forward to the Olympics...there are always those personal inspiration stories that move us! I like all the events!
Stacey Ann - normally I look forward to the Olympics...this year I have an issue with it. The Chinese gov't outsted people from the homes that they had lived in for a lifetime. These people had no where to go but the streets. China is a poor country to start with and it was sickening to watch on the news these people crying about where they were to go. There homes were demolished to make way for the crowds. Thus I'm 'boycotting' the olympics this year.
I am so looking forward to this and pray that everything goes well.
HI STACEY!
I love it too! My favorite is Track & Field, then gynamstic and swimming! It's a fun time and I'm glued to the tube when it's on!
Stacey-Ann
Oh wow, you just reminded me! Since Atlanta is an Olympic sister city, I have lots of Olympic stories and photos to share. I need to get on the ball and start writing!
Jeanean - I love those stories, i'm a sucker forMAry - I ag personal triumph :)
Mary - I agree that China's human rights record is less than stellar. I think the mistake was made 8 years ago when they were chosen to host. However, I refuse to boycott because I don't think its fair for the athletes who've worked their whole life for this moment to suffer because of something they have no control over.
Debbie - I hope it all goes well, too.
Yvette - We'll be glued to the TV here as well.
Richard - I'm looking forward to those posts.
I also love to watch the Olympics! They are so exciting, track is great and I like swimming too!
your friend in Charlottesville!
If you really want to boo hoo one night, rent one of Bud Greenspan's Olympic videos. His ultimate story is of John Stephen Akhwari from Tanzania. He was the marathoner who willed himself to finish the 26.2 mile event at the 1968 Mexico City games. Akhwari had the famous line, "My country didn't send me to start the race. They sent me to finish it!". I get chills everytime I think of it.
Charles - I really feel that the track events are very exciting.
Joe - I am going to check those out. I love a good boo hoo. How awesome is that dedication for the marathon runner. We could all learn something from him.
Stacey-Ann, I am always glued to my seat for track and field. Gymnastics is the BOMB! Really Good stuff! :-D
Stacey-Ann - I am not the biggest Olympic fan myself, but I do like some of the sports. All in all I will catch a few here and there. I do however wish Jamaica best of luck on the track this time around, I'll be rooting for them for you :)
Stan Barsch
Stacey, I love to watch the sailing, of course thats because I race myself and have had some friends fight to get into the olympics... But the NEVER show sailing on TV, so I will just be stuck watching womens beach volleyball!
Stacey-Ann, I love the Olympics too. I hate to admit it on the public forum but I like to watch women's gymnastics. Those girls can do amazing thing and the guys can even do more amazing things. Every Olympics I pick my favorite Gymnast and route for her the whole time. Win or lose. This year is Shawn Johnson, because I saw her on the today show yesterday. She is just to precious. (I have three daughters so I can say that.) But my favorite gymnast of all time is Shannon Miller. I got to route for her a couple of times. Hope you enjoy the Olympics. I will.
Stacey-Ann,
I'm right there with you. I love the olympics. I also like seeing what new sports are added. I enjoy the winter olympics more than the summer olympics. I think of you as I am watching the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Enjoy
Leander McClain, Real Estate Consultant
Stan - Thanks Jamaica needs some luck on their side. What they are hoping to do would be huge for such a small country.
Robert - I never understand why beach volleyball gets so much coverage. Who watches that? NBC promises better coverage this year, we'll see
Jimmy - I love women's gymnastics as well (I don't mind the guys but its not the same). I'll be rooting for Shana too because I haven't picked a favorite yet so i'll go with your recommendation ;)
Leander - I will definitely be watching the opening ceremony. I never used to like the Winter games at all but i've gotten into them over the past few years.
Stacey-Ann:
Thanks for your thoughtful blog article about start of Olympics Beijing 2008. What do you think of the track events so far?
I do not celebrate with U. Bolt the sprinter. I am suspicious of his celebrating prior to crossing the finish line and wonder about his motive.
Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA
Harrison - I have been very pleased with the track events so far but disappointed by the coverage because there have been many events that we have not seen. I do celebrate with Bolt, even if I agree that the early celebration shows some immaturity I don't think there were any ulterior motives.
At first I was very disappointed in Usain Bolt's demonstration especially since he could shattered the World Record by even more if he had kept running at full gas. However, the pole vaulters can shed some light on record breaking. The most dominant pole vaulters beat the world record inch by inch (or centimeter by centimeter). The current women's world record holder and Olympic champion in the vault has set the record 24 times!!! She doesn't go out and smash the record at one meet. Usain Bolt's lively hood depends on his ability to win races, get endorsement deals, and set records. If he created an unbeatable record at one track meet, he may limit his earning potential in the future because he "would never be as good as he was in August of 08". He has left the door open to amaze us in the future.
Joe - you've echoes my father's sentiments. He even used the same example of the pole vaulter in an argument tonight.
I totally agree with Realty Centre's above statement. Bolt is like a computer. Follow me on this analogy. If HP (for example) were to sell top of the line computers with the highest specifications possible (for at least another 5 years till they invent something faster) then noone would need to buy another computer in that 5 year timespan.(if the computer doesn't break down or get infected by viruses). This is to say, as mentioned above, Bolt is relying on setting the world ablaze with awe so setting a record which might be unbeatable by himself, will keep his name out of the spotlight (thereafter) which won't help his image and shoe endorsement deals. Then again, it would be silly to think that he could run a race to beat a record within a hundredth's of a second and no more. He either smashes his own record or simply adds on by a small margin. As far as the total olympics goes, it was a great event for all countries and athletes and a memorable one thanks to people like Bolt.
1 year later Bolt is still wowwing us!!!
Castellum - I totally agree that the Olympics were fabulous for all who participate, and I am enjoying the great talent at the world championships this year as well
Joe - he continues to amaze