Ode to the Summer Olympics

As I write, the American men's water polo team is playing China (hotties all around) behind me on the little TV. I've also watched rowing this morning, which is exciting for me because I was a Division I rower in college, and I know two of the girls on the team.

Like many recreational athletes, I've been anticipating the Olympics for months. My feelings of excitement have been tainted by concern over the fact that they're in China. (HELLO! Who thought this was a good idea? Does the world not understand that they're a communist country with a [recent] history of severe human rights violations?!) But I'm excited none the less.

One of my reasons for wanting to watch the Games constantly is that I love to see people work hard toward a goal, especially those who have great stories: too old, too short, too young, too tall. If they have to overcome obstacles and can thus be put into an Olympics montage, I'm all over it.

My other reason to watch is that the Olympics gives us a brief chance to watch sports and activities that don't suck (like those other sucky sports Americans love: football especially), and I we to see some obscure stuff. I've had a little taste of equestrian, archery, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, cycling, weightlifting, volleyball, etc.

Finally, the Games are the perfect motivation for us not-so-world-class athletes. I'm in the beginning of my taper and the countdown to the race. Watching clips of Dara Torres train or seeing those petite female weightlifters throw around hundreds of pounds is just the inspiration I need for my own final push. Three cheers to the athletes; boo to China.