It's amazing to me the way the competitors acknowledge the skill and effort of their fellow athletes. It is the real beauty of these games. Personally, I'm a big fan of the track and field events because the talent is so basic and relatable.
I'm loving watching them. I think the opening ceremony was incredible and wonderful. The coverage has been excellent (Gold Zone on Peacock, a knock off of Red Zone for football -- so smart!). And like you, I don't understand most of the rules but who cares. It's like dozens of Tour de France races; I never understand the rules but it's still beautiful and entertaining to watch.
I've had an interesting relationship with the Olympics this year. As someone who loves sports, the Games are sensational. But as someone who works in sports (and is responsible for sending/scheduling notifications about most of the events) the Games are exhausting! I've probably spent more time prepping and updating what seems like a never-ending coverage calendar than I've spent actually watching the action. Sure, the Team USA hoops game might be happening in the peripheral on my second screen, but it usually takes the broadcaster's emphatic LeBron dunk call to pull my attention away from trying to figure out when the next day's U.S. field hockey game is starting. Didn't get a chance to actually sit down and enjoy a full event until the opening golf round, nearly a week after the Opening Ceremony. And it was a replay!
Every time I watch the opening ceremony I get teary. Seeing the absolute joy on the faces of all those kids, knowing the countless hours they put in to get there, and knowing that most of them are under no illusion that they're in the running for a medal. But they made it. They are and forever will be Olympians. It's one brief period where you can see what the world would be like if we could keep our competitions on the playing field and then hang out together after. Magical every time. The only downside is that I can't watch gymnastics or skating anymore. I agonize over every routine and my heart breaks for every participant who bobbles, wobbles or falls. And I want to hug them all. So I watch the highlights. And I will love the final ceremonies equally. Great piece, WDB!
It's amazing to me the way the competitors acknowledge the skill and effort of their fellow athletes. It is the real beauty of these games. Personally, I'm a big fan of the track and field events because the talent is so basic and relatable.
I'm loving watching them. I think the opening ceremony was incredible and wonderful. The coverage has been excellent (Gold Zone on Peacock, a knock off of Red Zone for football -- so smart!). And like you, I don't understand most of the rules but who cares. It's like dozens of Tour de France races; I never understand the rules but it's still beautiful and entertaining to watch.
I've had an interesting relationship with the Olympics this year. As someone who loves sports, the Games are sensational. But as someone who works in sports (and is responsible for sending/scheduling notifications about most of the events) the Games are exhausting! I've probably spent more time prepping and updating what seems like a never-ending coverage calendar than I've spent actually watching the action. Sure, the Team USA hoops game might be happening in the peripheral on my second screen, but it usually takes the broadcaster's emphatic LeBron dunk call to pull my attention away from trying to figure out when the next day's U.S. field hockey game is starting. Didn't get a chance to actually sit down and enjoy a full event until the opening golf round, nearly a week after the Opening Ceremony. And it was a replay!
Every time I watch the opening ceremony I get teary. Seeing the absolute joy on the faces of all those kids, knowing the countless hours they put in to get there, and knowing that most of them are under no illusion that they're in the running for a medal. But they made it. They are and forever will be Olympians. It's one brief period where you can see what the world would be like if we could keep our competitions on the playing field and then hang out together after. Magical every time. The only downside is that I can't watch gymnastics or skating anymore. I agonize over every routine and my heart breaks for every participant who bobbles, wobbles or falls. And I want to hug them all. So I watch the highlights. And I will love the final ceremonies equally. Great piece, WDB!