Things I’ve Learned While Watching the Olympics – Dave’s Top 5
As I mentioned a while back, I like sports, and I really enjoy watching the Olympics. I don’t necessarily go out of my way to watch a particular sport, or a specific athlete, but I watch when I have free time. In watching the 2012 Summer Games in London from the comfort of my home, I have learned a few things. So here are some observations that jumped out at me, some literally.
As I mentioned a while back, I like sports, and I really enjoy watching the Olympics. I don’t necessarily go out of my way to watch a particular sport, or a specific athlete, but I watch when I have free time. In watching the 2012 Summer Games in London from the comfort of my home, I have learned a few things. So here are some observations that jumped out at me, some literally.
Getty Images, Phil Walter
Trampoline is an Olympic Sport
Getty Images, Phil Walter
Kicking is Legal in Volleyball
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The Marshall Islands Track and Field Team is Rebuilding
Did he pull up lame? Did he stumble out of the gate? No, that’s Marshall Islands Track and Field Timi Garstang, and he really is just happy to be at the Olympics.
The announcers pointed him out from the start, that the Marshall Islands men’s track and field representative had no chance. But to see how bad he lost it in full speed was a sight to behold. Timi Garstang, whose previous best in the 100 meter competition was 12.56 – 3 seconds behind gold medal winner Usain Bolt – came pretty close to his personal best (12.81) in the preliminaries. Let’s put this into perspective. In a race that generally takes less than 10 seconds to finish, a real live Olympic athlete took 3 seconds longer to get there. That’s kind of like me racing my 2001 Caliber against a Top Fuel funnycar in a drag race. (But, come to think of it, I’d just be happy to try that!)
Getty Images, Jamie Squire
Oscar Pistorius of South Africa Did Not Have an Unfair Advantage
This dude is amazing.
I watched Pistorius run his way into the 400 meter preliminary race, and qualify for the next round. Born with a defect that had his legs amputated before most children learn to walk, this 25 year old athlete embodies everything that is great about the Olympics. I have to admit getting caught up in the moment, watching Oscar run, envisioning all the challenges he has had to overcome just to get through everyday life, much less to be allowed to compete in the Olympics, or become a world-class athlete. Watching Pistorius run was one thing, but seeing the smile on his face as he qualified for the next round was an image that will rank among my favorite Olympic memories of all time. I want my children to know about this man, and appreciate what they can accomplish with all their limbs intact. This is the stuff movies are made from. Go “like” him on Facebook.
Getty Images, Mike Powell
The Dream Team Would Beat This Year’s USA Men’s Olympic Basketball Team