August 16, 2008
I admit it…I’m an Olympic Junkie
Written by Cindy Kirk in Jaunty PostOkay, I admit it. I am addicted to the Olympics.
All week, even though I had to get up and go to work in the morning, I’ve been staying up late watching the Olympics. What events are my favorites? Swimming, hands down. And I LOVE watching Michael Phelps. Why? Because he’s a great swimmer and so far (with only one event to go) he’s kept his focus under intense pressure. I’ve also enjoyed the gymnastics…although I felt kinda sad when I heard the father of the all-around champion, Nastia, (a former Olympic gold medal winner himself) be quoted as telling her beforehand that there’s only one color of medal acceptable in their household. Hmmm…what happened to do your best and we’ll be proud of you?
What has surprised me about this Olympic games is how many people I know who are also watching them. How about you? Are you glued to the tube? Or are the Olympics something you can take or leave?
Since no one won a copy of my book When She Was Bad last week (cuz no one matched all the answers of the Harlequin Romance Experts)….I’m going to try to give it away again this week.
All you have to do is comment and you’ll be entered into a drawing. I’ll announce the winner Sunday night!!!
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Margay Says:
I have been riveted to the Olympics this year! So it disheartens me to read what Nastia’s father said; that’s just not right. I wouldn’t want to live in that house if I failed to get gold. On the other hand, Michael Phelps’ mother is a gem. I love ho supportive she - and her daughters, too - is of her son and I just love watching her during the whole thing! She is quite the card. Have you seen interviews with her? She’s funny.
cheryl c. Says:
I have enjoyed the Olympics too. I like the swimming and the gymnastics. It does bother me that China apparently cheated in gymnastics by having underage girls, but no one can prove that.
My teenage son likes to watch beach volleyball. I am sure the skimpy outfits are a big reason!
It bothers me a lot that the mentality of some people is that if you don’t win gold then you have lost. Don’t they realize that in that huge stadium of athletes on opening night there will be just a small percentage that will go home with a medal at all!
RobynDeHart Says:
Oh yeah, total junkie. Of course it hasn’t helped that I’ve been sick and so I haven’t been doing much other than sleeping and watching TV and well the Olympics are on. A lot. My favorite is always gymnastics (until they bring the ribbons out) but also like swimming and diving and basketball. But I’ve watched a little bit of everything this year. Who knew how exciting water polo could be? I was glad Nastia won gold, even though I was pulling for Shawn and thought the judges short changed her on a couple of scores - but I figure we’ll see Shawn again in London in 4 years so she has time. As for Michael Phelps, what a great guy, I’ve been so impressed with his interviews and just how humble he is about the whole thing. So yeah, I’m right there with you, Cindy.
Solveig Says:
The Olympics are also huge here in Iceland but we are all very concentrated on following our handball team who just won Denmark and have qualified for the finals. We intend to win of course
but we will see…. Also I have been following Dara Torres, the 40 something old swimmer, she is amazing, and the Jamacan who just set a world record in the 100 m sprint. Unbelievable 
So yes rest assured, all Icelanders are also with you :Ö)
Cindy Kirk Says:
Margay,
I love watching Michael’s mother and sisters too. They seem so supportive and just a class act.
Cheryl,
I agree, it’s so easy to get caught up in the quest for gold. But just to make it to the Olympics is a huge great accomplishment.
Robyn,
I really wanted Shawn to win and agree the judges were really hard on her and easy on the Chinese.
Solveig,
I didn’t know you are from Iceland. I’ve was in Iceland a couple years ago. Swam in the Blue Lagoon, had a great time.
I like Dara Torres, too. Another class act.
Cindy
Shana Says:
You know, I just don’t like sports. Even the Olympics. I’d rather read or sleep or really do just about anything else. Who’s with me now? Come on!
Mary M Says:
Shana, I don’t usually like watching sports but this year, the Superbowl and the Olympics captivated me. It’s a treat to see Michael Phelps’ talent. I’m amazed that the races are won by fractions of seconds.
Margo Maguire Says:
I don’t watch TV much, and so I forget to turn it on. And then I realize I’ve missed some key atheltic performances! Luckily, they get replayed all the time, but there isn’t the same urgency because I already know the outcome.
Teresa W. Says:
I enjoy watching the olympics but I’m not watching as much as I’d like to! I’ve really been rooting for Michael!
Quilt lady Says:
I have not watched much of the olympics this year, just a little. I would reather read my books in the evenings. I don’t read any during the day, but I like to spend my late evenings reading.
Fedora Says:
We’ve been watching some of the Olympics, in spurts. Definitely some of the swimming and gymnastics and diving–the athletes are all just so amazing, and their performances so beautiful to watch whether they’re winning or losing. As for Nastia’s father’s comment–it sounds like he’s trying to keep her focused on being the best, but the big picture is that simply to be at the Olympics means that you’re one of the best. Very little separates many of the top athletes, and a split second can affect your performance–it’s sad when we forget to appreciate how tremendous they all are and focus only on how they didn’t turn in the performance of their lives at that one moment.
Happy watching, Cindy and everyone!
Cindy Kirk Says:
Shana,
In your house your husband loves sports and you don’t…in mine it’s the complete opposite.
Mary M,
I like the Superbowl too. Not only because I like football but because of the commercials.
Margo,
I like to watch them live…because of that sense of urgency. My husband cannot understand that…watching it on replays (if at all) works for him.)
Teresa,
Let’s say it together…GO MICHAEL!!!
Quilt lady,
I love to read too…but for some reason the Olympics have me pulled me away from books this week.
Fedora,
Great comment. I totally agree.
Crystal B. Says:
I have been enjoying watching the Olympics, especially the swimming.
catslady Says:
I’ve been watching it nonstop. I’m glad she got the gold because I can’t imagine the pressure she must be under. I’m also sad that the chinese seem to think that cheating is the way to win. Not only on the ages but on some of the scoring too. I much prefer the results when machinery decides the winner like on the phelps swimming race - wowl
Emily McKay Says:
We haven’t watched any of it so far. But then I’ve been neck deep in line edits and have family in town. It’s funny though, my ten year old niece has been discussing which events she’d like to participate in in 2012 and 2016. She’s got a list of three or four she’s considering.
Stacie Mc Says:
Been watching Michael Phelps and Dara Torres.
Am kinda off on gymnastics due to the underage Chinese girls (no way they’re 16). If the Olympic committee doesn’t investigate this the Olympics will suffer.
Laura Says:
I like the diving and the gymnastics. I hadn’t heard that the one gymnast’s father had said that - that’s just wrong. I remember when Michelle Kwan didn’t win gold in ice skating and when she was interviewed afterwards she apologized to her family and said she hoped they’d still love her. Seriously, was it an either/or thing? The pressure is bad enough on them without adding that type of crap into the mix.
Serenissima Says:
I like watching the Olympics, but this year I haven´t watched so many events that I would have liked to. Here in Finland, the games start around 3.00/4.00 in the morning, so no way I would wake up that early to see the games live…
I have mostly watched those events that have Finnish athletes participating, but of course I have watched the Incredible Mr Phelps to swim and a lot of tracks and fields. That Jamaican Usein Bolt surely can run and really FAST.
Cindy Kirk Says:
Crystal B.
You and I are definitely on the same wavelength…LOVE THE SWIMMING!
Catslady & Stacie Mc
I agree. There needs to be an investigation into the underage gymnast issue. NO WAY are some of those girls sixteen.
Emily,
Your niece sounds like a great kid…who’s not afraid to dream BIG
Laura,
I hadn’t heard that about Michelle Kwan…it appears that parental attitude might be more pervasive than I ever thought
Serenissima,
I watched Usein Bolt run last night before I went to bed. I couldn’t believe how he blew away the competition. WOW.
I love talking Olympics….this is so much fun!!
Linda Says:
This the first year that I watched anything other than gymnastics. Hearing about Michael Phelps drew me into watching swimming, and I’m glad I did !
I really enjoying watching Dalhausser & Rogers play beach volleyball too.