Torch This!
Sorry I haven’t posted for a few days, I’ve been too wrapped up in curling, biathlon, and women’s hockey. Yes, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games are in full swing, and who the hell cares? The Olympics were intended to be a sporting event for amateur athletes from around the word. Athletics and sportsmanship were supposed to allow athletes from every nation to put aside their differences for a couple of weeks and hopefully increase understanding of different cultures. Sounds nice, right? Unfortunately, the reality of the Olympics today is a little less noble.
Today, the Olympic Games are no different than any other big sporting event. Professional athletes, corporate sponsorship, and massive marketing campaigns are the norm now. And far from promoting a sense of global fraternity, the only thing that people truly seem interested in is the ‘medal count.’ Did you know that cold climate countries do better at the winter Olympics than warm weather nations?! What about this shocking fact: countries with huge economies and populations tend to win more medals than small, poor ones!! I feel such a sense of pride when I check the medal count each morning and the US is kicking Kazakhstan’s butt. U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
I better keep it short. I’ve been away from the TV for far too long. I hope I didn’t miss skeleton or freestyle skiing.
February 20th, 2010 - 17:05
I don’t watch reality television.. what is this thing called Olympics.. is this the one when they get booted off the mountain if they don’t get immunity.
As a child, I used to watch the Olympics.. it seemed back in the 70′s it meant something. I can’t agree with you more, with your remarkably obvious facts. It’s a lot like the Super Bowl… all hype and marketing…. except even the commercials suck.
Now pass me another Pabst blue ribbon… here comes the Russian female curling team.
February 21st, 2010 - 11:41
Ah, the 70s…Bruce Jenner in teeny tiny gym shorts. Yikes!
February 21st, 2010 - 19:42
Look, I know curling is the perennial punchline during Olympic years but it is actually a sport that requires skill, patience, finesse, strategy and strength. Having played the sport for three seasons I can say that, while not nearly as dangerous or thrilling as luge or skeleton, it is compelling and fun. And you can drink while you do it.
February 22nd, 2010 - 16:08
Yes, Curing is the Winter Game’s equivalent to Summer’s Synchronized Swimming. Looks more fun to play than to watch on TV.