So what is it about the Olympics that draws people like me? Is it the global-unity-sentiment? Is it simply some form of semi-nationalistic pride for China? Or is it the incessant news coverage? (As I sit here typing this, I can hear Lisa Miller from ABC news in Beijing reporting over the Australian women's gold medal in the 4x100m medely.)
Although there isn't a definite reason, there IS something about the elite sportspeople of the world coming together in a smorgasboard of muscle, medals and might. (haha alliteration. I had to think hard for 'might'... any other suggestions? 'Might' sounds dodgy to me)
So if any of you out there HAVE been following the Olympics like I have, you would know Grant Hackett snagged a measly silver in the mens 1500m freestyle to Oussama Mellouli. Now, I don't know about you, but seriously Grant? Silver? And to an unknown from Tunisia? TUNISIA?
Okay, well in all honesty I know Grant's probably beating himself up over this more than anyone else can, so I shall henceforth drop the exasperation.
Onto another swimming giant, Michael Phelps. Yes, he has won 8 gold medals, which makes him the greatest Olympian of all time. Yes, he deserves to be happy. But no, he should never, ever pull this face again:
Apparently, Phelps has an ability to isolate his individual muscles which conserves his energy and makes him swim harder and faster than his competitors. He also releases less lactic acid than most people, which speeds up his recovery period. And to cap it off, his arm span is a full 12cm longer than the average for his height. AND some speculate that he's actually a genetic abnormality, born to be a fish but turned out human.
Just joking.
So more Olympics coverage to come. I realise that I've spent this time blogging about all the activities in the Water Cube, and have left other sports out of the picture. But seriously, given Australia's talent in the pool (ahem, Stephanie Rice), everything else seems less interesting!
- Hurley Who?
11 comments:
haha more like he was meant to be an ape but turned out human. but really, that man is so annoying. apparently he's getting "G.O.A.T." (greatest of all time) tattooed on himself and the only person get that done was that awesome US runner who threw his silver shoes into the crowd at sydney 2000. i forgot his name, but atleast he wasn't a douchebag.
michael phelps pwns the swimming pool. I was misled to believe australians were beasts. i think not...
i remember that guy. who had G.O.A.T. on him, or his clothes, or whatever.
anyone who seriously belives they are the greatest of all time deserves to be ridiculed.
gosh.
I'm pretty much only following the table tennis at the moment (oh shame) and it's hit me that you have to have so much more mental stamina to even see a medal in play-off events.
Phelps talked about how much time he had off during the week just lazing around. For swimmers it's heats then finals and so many chances to snatch medals if you so happen to be able to swim 100m more than the last event. Most successful Olympian of all time? Sure, in medals, but the greatest athlete of all time? You seriously need show a lot more oomph to impress me.
Hear hear!
It's the Olympic spirit that makes the person a great, not the number of medals.
Grant Hackett certainly deserves points for oomph!
Swimming 1500m :O and being gracious in defeat despite all the pressure and disappointment... kind of reminds me of that inspiring saying "you don't lose gold, you win silver" <-- its the way you look at things that counts.
I think Jamaica needs some attention as well. They run like a speeding car on drugs.
hurley, the olympics are all about the medals.
just because australia is WAY behind the U.S. dont feel bad.
this yoyo girl is one arrogant american... what a loser... >.>
please dont get philosophical on me, guys.
let's just all agree that michael phelps is a tosser.
done.
please dont get philosophical on me, guys.
let's just all agree that michael phelps is a tosser.
done.
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