What, no Olympics thread?

[Wombat]

The world is not about WINNING and LOSING.

So why should there be that single line in sports?

I give you two grand examples that many people will remember -- Eddy the Eagle & the Jamaican Bobsled Team.

Were they great? No, not even close. But they brought a grand human element to the game, along with huge amounts of clumsiness. More than this, however, they showed determination, gumption, and the pure, plain joy of competition.

The Olympics are set up to recognize three tiers of winners -- Gold, Silver, Bronze. The same is true in many other sports (say, for example, Win, Place, and Show...). Not only do I see nothing wrong with this, but I think it is a matter that actually improves such competitions. Being the second or third best in these competitions is truly praiseworthy, showing how much time and dedication has been put into individual and team efforts, facing off with dozens, nay, hundreds of opponents to get to this place.

Is there any problem is recognizing worth in this manner? I see none.

 

[Dogbrain]

what is right and good about sports?

High-priced endorsements.
Getting let off scott free in criminal cases, even though the judge directly states that you are "guilty as sin" because a drinking and resisting arrest conviction would "end your career" (http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/breaking_news/9425487.htm)
Committing assault on new team-mates, sending some to the hospital with your hazing behavior, but still being allowed to stay on the team (http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2187089&nav=4QcHPy5f)
Special "training tables" at dormitories.

 

[The_Gunslinger658]

Hi ya-

I love the Olympics, but I just do not have the time to watch TV. I do wish they had an Iron Man Competition, I'm always training for the local chicago Iron Man competitions just because its always gratifying to be in great shape at 40 and still be at my best. Its tough though, working 12 hours, hitting the gym and then taking care of personel stuff, but it has to be done or else I'd become a fat body.
I'm too old to be in the olympics but if its any Consolation, the Army is sending me to Air Assualt school.

BTW an Iron Man competition is Biking, swimming and running so many miles. Its not the Marvel Super hero. ; )

Scott

 

[drothgery]

Actually, Triatholon makes its debut as a medal sport this year.

 

[drothgery]

The Olympics are set up to recognize three tiers of winners -- Gold, Silver, Bronze. The same is true in many other sports (say, for example, Win, Place, and Show...). Not only do I see nothing wrong with this, but I think it is a matter that actually improves such competitions. Being the second or third best in these competitions is truly praiseworthy, showing how much time and dedication has been put into individual and team efforts, facing off with dozens, nay, hundreds of opponents to get to this place.

The only thing annoying about the medal setup is that it's not consistent among sports where you're compenting against another person/team (rather than against a time or score). In some sports, they award two bronze medals (Judo comes to mind, but I think tennis works like this too), while in others (basketball, soccer, fencing, and most sports), the semifinal round losers play for the bronze.

 

[johnsemlak]

well, not sure D&D is remotely close to a sport.....

Chess is considered a sport in many countries.

 

[Crothian]

Chess is considered a sport in many countries.

And many countries are wrong

 

[Krug]

Worst sport to watch: Women's weightlifting.

Yeap one of the new categories.

 

[drothgery]

Worst sport to watch: Women's weightlifting.

Yeap one of the new categories.

In the interest of not appearing to be too sexist, we'll note here that it's only slightly worse to watch than men's weightlifting.

 

[Crothian]

Equarian were they walked, trotted, and galloped. No obstivcles, no race, just boring.