The Olympics has been a highly contested issue lately. Everything from advertising to the cost, from the infrastructure to the opening ceremony screw-ups has been on the tip of everybody's tongue. Until the Olympics began, it seemed like nobody had a positive thought for them, and I've heard that people aren't too impressed with us over seas either.
But now that the Olympics have begun, people's outlooks have changed a little. Now all I hear are the scores. I thought that might happen. We hum and haw, but once things get going, it's hard not to get carried away with the games. Honestly, there isn't one sport that interests me at any other time of the year – it's just not my thing – but even I get a little bit excited.
I think my favourite is figure skating, but I don't know if I really agree that it's a sport. What if they tried to make ballet an Olympic sport? It's the same idea. But I have fond memories watching the skaters in 2006 when I was in Japan. The family I was staying with was excited about the strong women on their team, and we sat up after dinner to watch the women's singles. I can still remember Shizuka Arakawa's performance clearly as if I'd just seen it. She was so tall,
and carried herself like a queen. We were breathless when she did her signature layback—it was one of those moments when time stands still. She was transcendental. Nothing mattered except her winning gold. And then she did.
I haven't been able to follow the Olympics much this year, because I have classes and work, but I get updates from everyone I see. I'm glad that the tension over the Olympics has abated a little. I get more joy from watching people get carried away with the spirit of the games, than with the criticism.
Since you addressed me by name yesterday, I figure a comment is the least I can do ^.^
ReplyDeleteI do see your point of view on the olympics and I think it is more than just winning a gold for whatever nationality you represent. I think it is about a world coming together. I can't think of any other event in the world that has brought us closer together than the olympics.
Personally I don't get excited about who can do something slightly faster or better than the other... They all excel beyond most human capability.
But when I watched each athlete walk into that coliseum, I felt proud that my country has the opportunity to bring together the world in spirit of the Olympics.
... Thats my thought anyway.
Cheers!
-----Devan
Well, I for one am kind of a hypocrit when it comes to the olympics. I enjoy watching certain sports and yet I hate what the government has done to make these games happen. but, instead of protesting or not watching them, I am watching and enjoying certain aspects. I guess, in the end, we are all hypocrits, and no matter how much we might hate the olympics, we all like what they stand for. And, I think that is more important than anything else.
ReplyDeleteGareth
I guess you could call it hypocrisy. I definitely think people have conflicting interests. We love the games and we want the Olympics to be a success because we value our image internationally. But we also struggle with the consequences of hosting them.
ReplyDeleteI dont think its hypocritical to criticize the government for some of the ridiculous Olympic spending, but also enjoy the Olympics. I think the Olympics are about human triumph over adversity. Sure, there are sponsors and advertisers and all that, but at the end of the day, the Olympics are about people trying their best and doing their best. No one can argue the fact that there are parts of society that need the money more, but there's nothing wrong with taking joy from a joyous event like this. I feel sorry for the people that cant see that side of it.
ReplyDeleteAh, the Olympics. I must admit, I am a bit of an addict. Figure skating was my favourite as a kid, but now it's the speed skating. Ridiculously awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhat I really love is all the Canadian patriotism that has become so visible. Pretty amazing- and I think a very valuable positive to hosting the games. We're a big country, and it's good to see something pull us together.
That's true. When I saw the opening ceremonies, I thought that a lot of it seemed over-sentimental, but I know other people that were really moved by it.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Germany and of course I don't know much about the controversy that the Olympics cause & caused in Canada but I really enjoy watching!
The idea of the Olympics is the main theme here I think, just to be part of it. Of course it's also about winning but I think that most of the athletes are just being carried away by the spirit as most of us do?
And from my point of view: Canada does an amazing job hosting the games! :)
Nadine
Thanks for commenting, Nadine. It's nice to hear an outside perspective.
ReplyDeleteI was in much the same boat as many of you - ambivalent for the most part, angry over the censorship issues - but after a while one can't help enjoy the spirit, the unity. It's much the same as hockey for me. I don't often watch hockey but I always enjoy the playoff season when every gets their Canuck penants out and everyone has something to talk about. It's community building.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see you try to figure skate and pull a triple axel - then see if you think it qualifies as a "sport".
ReplyDeleteIs bobsledding a "sport"? Is ski jumping a "sport"? Questioning the concept of a "sport" in the Olympics is just a dark downward spiral you might want to avoid.