Olympics Moments

Despite my intentions, I didn't get to see nearly as much of the Olympics this year as I wanted. This was partially due to just being busy, and partially due to NBC's coverage of the Olympics.

First, my favorite moments of the Olympics, in order (and the things I actually saw):

1. The men's 400 freestyle relay, where Jason Lezak overtook France's Alain Bernard after being a body length behind to win the gold. That was easily the best race ever - in any sport.
   
   
2. The men's 100 butterfly, where Michael Phelps ran down Serbia's Milorad Cavic to win by .01 seconds. That showed just how technical swimming and stroke work can win you a race. And it was inspiring, too.
   
   
3. Jonathon Horton's performance in men's gymnastics. Here's a guy who was suddenly called upon to be his team's leader after the Hamm brothers pulled up lame, and he rose to the occasion admirably, having a wonderful performance and keeping his team's mind on the prize.
   
   
4. Alexander Artemov's pommel horse routine in the men's gymnastics team competition. He took some risks with a high-difficulty routine and nailed it, cementing a medal for the men's team. Beautiful work.
   
   
5. Team USA Men's Volleyball winning the gold medal on the final day. This team, whose leadership in coach Hugh McCutcheon was possibly on the rocks due to the tragedy involving his father-in-law in Beijing, rose to beat the world's best on the way to their gold medal. And watching McCutcheon have to step out of the gymnasium for a moment after being gang-hugged by his assistant coaches, and then step back in fully composed to enjoy the ceremony was moving beyond belief.
   
   
6. Team USA's Lebron James and Kobe Bryant watching Michael Phelps win his final gold medal. A lot is said about how the USA Basketball team is nothing but a group of pampered millionaires playing for some glory. Well, this sight proved that wrong for me. Lebron and Kobe were absolutely jubilant in the crowd watching that historic moment, and it showed me that deep inside, we're all just fans, no matter what the sport. And it also showed me the pride they feel for their country.
   
   
7. To continue: Team USA's gutsy win against Spain in the final. This was an actual team, not just a collection of superstars, with the best coach in the country leading them. And the pride they showed to be wearing USA on their jerseys was palpable.
   
   
8. Usain Bolt's double-take at the camera before one of his races. The guy's a character. I got a bit tired of his posturing after the two wins he had, but loved that.
   

I also watched a lot of handball this time. I love watching the sports I don't normally get to see, and that's obviously one of them. I particularly enjoyed the gold medal match between France and Iceland. I was pulling for Iceland, not because I share the typical American's dislike of France but rather because Iceland hadn't won a gold in a summer games...ever, I think they were saying. Still a great game, and with some fantastic athleticism.

I didn't watch some of the stuff this time that I watched last time - I missed almost all the rowing, unfortunately. I love the whitewater kayaking and saw just a little bit of it. I also didn't see any wrestling or judo, two sports I've never done but have ultimate respect for. I watched some of the cycling, but the coverage was so spotty that it was hard to watch after experiencing the Tour de France.

I saw WAY too much gymnastics, diving, and more shots of divers and gymnasts stretching and standing around than I care to talk about (but will anyway). I understand that NBC is trying to increase viewership and that many of the ladies' demographic watch the Olympics for these sports. But I'd really love to see them pay more attention to the variety of sports than the ones that are their cash cows. At least show highlights of great performances, no matter what the sport! And having the constant shots of Shawn Johnson or Laura Wilkinson waiting around for their turn to compete on an event was so annoying. Show the sports, please, not the stories. Let the stories get created by themselves. That's what journalism and especially sports journalism is about.