More Olympic Thoughts

We are now at the midway point of the 2012 Olympics.  I've been able to watch at least a little bit of the competition each day.  Here are some random thoughts and observations:

The Broadcast
Overall, I am satisfied with how the Games are being televised by NBC.  However, it would be nice to see a little more variety of events other than just the "big three" (swimming, gymnastics, and track).  I realized that a lot of other events are being shown on other channels during the day, but like many people, I can only watch in the evenings, so it would be nice if every sport got a little "moment in the sun".

Speaking of the broadcast, there's been a lot of hand-wringing about the amount of tape-delay and the networks "spoiling" the results of events that haven't yet aired.  I just can't get myself worked up over this issue.  This may shock some people, but London is in a different time zone than the United States.  There are no live competitions taking place while it is prime time in America.  Of course, with the amount of money that NBC is paying for the broadcast rights, it is obvious that they will air most of the events when the viewing audience will be greatest.  Regarding spoilers, get a grip people.  It's just not that hard to avoid finding out who won.  Here's an idea - tear yourself away from your electronic gadgets for a few minutes.  Maybe even interact with other people.

Another common theme in the broadcasts has been the post-race interview.  Each American athlete, before they can even catch their breath, has a microphone and camera shoved in their face and is asked some inane questions.  Seriously, has any athlete, Olympic or otherwise, ever said anything interesting or insightful under such circumstances?  This time would be better spent on replays or perhaps some technical explanations of the events.

Each sport also features special guest commentators, who are usually former Olympians.  The quality and enthusiasm levels of these experts has certainly varied wildly.  It seems that in swimming, the announcers are about to have heart attacks from the excitement, while in gymnastics, the commentators that I've heard have been so critical as to suck the joy away from the proceedings.

One final thought on the broadcasts - watching the parents in the stands has been a high level entertainment in its own right.

Other Olympic Thoughts
Who designed the warm-up jackets that the American athletes have been wearing during medal ceremonies?  Seriously - gray?!  Call me crazy, but how about a little bit of red, white and blue?

I like watching gymnastics, except for the balance beam.  I get so nervous when they do flips and land back on the beam - I actually cringe and can only watch through half-open eyes.

Michael Phelps is a phenomenal athlete.  However, the praise is getting to be a bit much.  A Facebook friend posted that Phelps shouldn't swim, he should just walk across the water.

Certain events just look ridiculous.  Synchronized diving is one example, but the greatest example may be the breast stroke, where the swimmers' heads keep popping out of the water.  Speaking of swimming, why do they give medals for all the different strokes?  The point of swimming races is to cover the distance in the shortest amount of time.  Since freestyle is fastest, why do the other methods?  They don't give track medals for running backwards, or hopping or skipping.  (Yes, I know they give medals for race walking.  See above comment regarding ridiculous-looking events).

Recommendation
I loved watching the Opening Ceremonies, but the Parade of Nations really highlights the inherent inequality of the Games.  Some nations, such as the United States, send hundreds of athletes, while other nations send only a small handful.  I was then struck with an idea that I think would level the playing field, and also help us better determine who the greatest athletes truly are.  The idea is that each nation only send ten athletes - five men and five women.  These athletes have to represent their nations in as many events as possible. 

If that idea won't work, my other idea is for each athlete, regardless of sport, to compete while wearing a sombrero.  I think the Sombrerolympics would be even more entertaining than what we have now.

Anyway, that's all my Olympic thoughts for now.  Enjoy the rest of the Games, and I'll be back next week with some post-Olympic thoughts.  Thanks for reading.