I know, maybe a negative title for what could be a bigger thread, but I want to gauge opinions.
How many people in Canada really care about the Summer Olympics? And is it just because as a nation we aren't very good at them?
My thoughts:
I don't really pay too much attention to them. Yes I keep the radio and TV on, but I don't plan days, go drinking with the buddies, tape (PVR) specific events. To me, it's not very exciting. And it's not just because we don't excel at them. It's more for the fact that compared to the winter olympics, summer are just boring.
Flying downhill at 100 mp/h or doing 16 laps in a pool? Ski jumping and aerial stunts, or high jump.
For me it's about the track. I do like to watch the 100m, the 200m and the 4x 100m relay. Even without Canadian competition I find those to be exciting and interesting. And this year I will be watching to see if Usain Bolt further pushes the limit of humanity.
But after that, I could really give a FF. I think my best 'nation moment' happened two summer olys ago when Simon Whitfield came out of nowhere to win the triathlon. That was memorable. But I will admit, I only caught the end. I got home mid day, turned on the TV and saw the last 20 minutes.
Nope, I'll watch the bigger events if a Canadian is involved, and for some reason I watch the rowing but it's not a major event for me nothing like the Winter Olympics.
I've got a lot less interest than for the Winter Olympics but still enjoy watching. During the Sydney games I remember staying up until 3 AM watching our baseball team play. I'll generally watch events that Canada has a chance in (usually rowing, mountain bike, etc). And of course, I'll be watching whenever Usain Bolt competes because that's always good entertainment.
I used to be even more into them as a kid, but I love big events like this. I don't care about a lot of the sports outside of the 4 years, but as soon as they are on I am in Olympic mode. Same goes for the Euro and World Cup. I eat it all up, and like being around others who do too.
That's one thing I really miss about NY....during the WC it seems like the whole city just turns into a big soccer town (bound to happen with so many foreigners), and people shutdown to watch games and drink and socialize. Don't really seem to get that in Calgary, which is a bit of a shame.
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My wife and I were talking about this the other day. We really don't care that they are coming up and almost wish we wouldn't have to hear about them. Then all of a sudden they'll be on TV and we'll watch stuff like the 100m dash, or some of the swimming races (not really any of the judged events). Then when the Olympics are over we'll be glad they are done.
We're definitely a winter games nation. I personally don't follow the summer games too closely, but am always proud when a Canadian's on the podium.
Canada's best summer Olympics moment:
only thing that comes close to beating that race was watching the Americans pout afterwards.
That was awesome, I didn't single it out first cause I felt it was a little obvious.
But to me, the reason that made it so great was because it was a premiere event. Not some backwards doggystyle frog flop in the pool. To me, there are way to many events in the Summer Olys.
And to that end, like I said, even without Canadian strength, I will still enjoy the 4x 100 this year. It's interesting.
The last time I really watched a lot of Summer Olympics coverage was Atlanta in '96.
Can still remember the night Donovan Bailey won the 100m, and then the follow-up 4x100m victory. Bruny Surin was another name I remember from that relay team.
Then of course I remember the bombing. We were playing Monopoly at the time, and I remember as a 10-year-old really having a tough time understanding the gravity of the situation. Pretty surreal.
Yes, I will be there, visiting friends in Barnet for the duration. Certainly I don't have the expectation of seeing a pile of gold like I saw in Vancouver but it should still be fun. I have really had trouble finding out info on Canadian medal hopefuls outside of Canoe finals and 100m hurdles.
Not some backwards doggystyle frog flop in the pool. To me, there are way to many events in the Summer Olys.
Agreed completely with this sentiment. I understand that having races of different distances is important (testing raw speed vs. endurance), but I don't get why there are so many events for various swimming strokes. Do we really need all of these:
Yes, I will be there, visiting friends in Barnet for the duration. Certainly I don't have the expectation of seeing a pile of gold like I saw in Vancouver but it should still be fun. I have really had trouble finding out info on Canadian medal hopefuls outside of Canoe finals and 100m hurdles.
I believe there are high expectations on Alex Despatie to medal in diving, although it looks like he may have been concussed last week while practicing a dive:
MONTREAL - First he didn't, then he did.
After initial reports Canadian diver Alexander Despatie didn't suffer a concussion in a diving accident last week, the two-time Olympic silver medallist confirmed Tuesday he did have one.
Despatie hit his head on the board last week in Madrid while training for a Grand Prix event
The 27-year-old from Laval, Que., was hospitalized and required surgery to close a 10-centimetre wound near his hairline.
Agreed completely with this sentiment. I understand that having races of different distances is important (testing raw speed vs. endurance), but I don't get why there are so many events for various swimming strokes. Do we really need all of these:
Yes judge the speed and the stamina to get to the goal. But why are we making them do different strokes? This really judges the sport and evolution of man.
Gentleman, the ship is burning, we may not all make it out alive. It was a pleasure to serve for you. Now, the only way we can get out of here alive is to do a partial side stroke for 388 metres, and then we will be to safety.
The Summer Olympics. Do You Care?
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