XX Olympic Winter Games

[Alex]

This Slate article has four tips for ensuring a strong U.S. medal count.

http://www.slate.com/id/2135954/nav/tap1/

The one about "keep creating a bunch of stupid new sports that nobody else does" rings truest.

[Stan4dSteph]

Spoiler:

I wouldn't say that Bode "gacked." There was a very narrow margin among those skiers from 2 - 5th where he ended up.

As long as they put out their best effort, I don't mind if they don't win a medal. Sometimes luck plays a part and it doesn't fall your way. The obsession with medal count gets on my nerves.

What new sport should we invent? Hmmm...

[scaeagles]

Spoiler:

My issue with Bode isn't that he didn't medal. With the attitude of superiority he puts forth when interviewed (except after he didn't medal), it would seem like he nrrds to back up the talk. I would never be critical of any athlete giving their all and not medaling. Just pointing out that we aren't performing as well was expected in certain events.

[Gemini Cricket]

Spoiler:

Bode's cute.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

My issue with Bode isn't that he didn't medal. With the attitude of superiority he puts forth when interviewed (except after he didn't medal), it would seem like he nrrds to back up the talk. I would never be critical of any athlete giving their all and not medaling. Just pointing out that we aren't performing as well was expected in certain events.]

(seeing as this has aired, I'm going sans-spoilers)

I don't really get "superiority" from Bode. I get, "Who gives a crap about what people think of me?" And I respect him for that. He's not living up to some "role model" bs, he's not partying hard and pretending to me mr. clean-cut. He's being himself and skiing the best he can. Rock on.

[scaeagles]

I, for one, do not shed a tear for Michelle Kwan. Sorry if this makes me some mean old monster. She didn't deserve to be at the Olympics. She whined and manipulated her way in. Now she quits because she's still too hurt to skate.

Now, I would feel bad for her if, due to injury, she was unable participate in the Olympic trials and tearfully announced her retirement. I would genuinely feel for her. But to get there as she did and then give the terarful "I'm pulling out of the Olympics" speech, and to hear all the commentators gushing over her......kind of makes me ill.

[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I, for one, do not shed a tear for Michelle Kwan. Sorry if this makes me some mean old monster. She didn't deserve to be at the Olympics. She whined and manipulated her way in. Now she quits because she's still too hurt to skate.

Considering it was her last Olympic performance that secured three American's chances at the Olympics instead of two, I had no problem with her being allowed to come to Torino. It's not an unusual occurance in fielding an Olympic figure skating team. I think evryone was hopefull that she could heal in time, and I applaud her for aknowledging that despite her efforts she can't.

There are some real jerks in the skating world, but I don't think Michelle Kwan is one of them.

[Gemini Cricket]

Being skeptical about everything, I was thinking 'Is this the real reason she is pulling out?'

[MickeyLumbo]

a good old fashioned backstage clubbing would be entertaining.

[Alex]

I got to watch an hour of curling or so last night before falling asleep so I declare the Olympics over (for me) and a success all around.