2012 Olympic Games: National Pride is Up & Running, Swimming, Jumping, Serving, Winning!
Where have I been? On vaca (more on that later) and since returning home, I’ve been watching the 2012 Olympic Games. With the extended coverage available for the 2012 games, I’m able to watch more events than ever. As much as people complain about the delays between results and primetime coverage…and as much as people complain about NBC in general, I have been spellbound.
While I haven’t taken advantage of live streaming available at http://www.nbcolympics.com/ I have been watching not only the main coverage on the NBC mother station but the extended coverage available on CNBC and NBC Sports networks.
Gymnastics, swimming and diving have always been my favorites during the Summer Games. But thanks to the new media outlets, during the 2012 Olympic Games I’ve had a great time watching Table Tennis, Field Hockey, Soccer, Boxing, Weight Lifting, Fencing and Equistrian events.
If you believe national pride is gone in America, Great Britain, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Japan or anywhere in the world, just tune into the Olympic Games. I swell with pride when our talented ahtletes shine and it’s always a beautiful moment when an American takes the center podium for the Gold and our National Anthem plays. And when our stars fall, I am crestfallen with them.
With all of the flag waving and crowd roars from different nations, I am beginning to think the best way to keep globalism and the threat of one-world government at bay is to keep the Olympics front and center.
Some of the most memorable moments for me, as a viewer and a Patriot:
17-year old Missy Franklin winning the Gold in the 100-meter backstroke.
American gymnast Jordan Wieber losing out on an opportunity to compete in the All-Around. (An unfair rule about only two from each country for 24 slots. Why don’t they take the top 24 scores so the best of the best are really competing for best All Around Gymnast?)
The Drama of the US Men’s Swim Team. Ryan Locthe wins Gold for the 400 meter indiviual medley while Phelps doesn’t place and is obviously unhappy. The US relay team pulling together but having to settle for Silver. Matt Grevers winning the Gold for the backstroke. A lot more to see today.
16-year old American, Ariel Sing giving the #2 seeded Table Tennis Champian from China a tough match. (I never knew ping pong could be so exciting to watch and so exhausting for the players!)
The Men’s Gymnastics Team Finals. After great prelimnaries, the US Men’s Team falls apart, Great Britian is declared 2nd–and then has to settle for the Bronze when Japan protests the scoring of their final Pummel Horse event in which the athlete fell right at the end. Poor Ukraine thought they were in for a medal before the judges ruled in favor of Japan. Royal Princes William and Harry were in mostly British audience who couldn’t contain their excitement at winning their very first medal in Men’s Gymnastics.
The US men and women take home medals in Synchronized Diving. Winning the Silver for the United States in Women’s Synchronized Diving were Abigail Johnston and Kelci Bryant.
If you’re not watching the 2012 Olympic Games you’re missing out! Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for TV schedules, live streaming and updates.
In between catching up on work from being away and watching the Olympics I want to catch up on your blogs, as well! Thank you for your patience!
I agree, it’s very special to see the best compete with the best, I’ve lost the excitement somewhat over the years but, I still enjoy it.
“Why don’t they take the top 24 scores so the best of the best are really competing for best All Around Gymnast?)”
But Freedom, It wouldn’t be fair.
It’s a worthwhile enterprise all in all, and fun.
It IS fun and as I wrote, this is the most I’ve ever watched because it’s never been so accessable.
Yep, Not to mention that we are due for a break from our problems. And I love to see people who excel and love doing so, and do it for the love of their sport.
I’m seeing very little of the olympics here in Venezuela. I tried the link you provided but ot is only good in the US and US territories. Sigh!
That’s too bad! I guess Venezuela isn’t covering it very well. Perhaps you can at least catch some highlights on YouTube.
Great post. I’ve been watching it with my daughter and really enjoying it. Esp the swimming and volleyball.
Only caught about half of women’s volleyball game but have watched a few beach volleyball matches (what a funny juxtaposition–girls in bikinis playing on a man-made “beach” in historic downtown London!)
Welcome back! Hope you had an awesome vaca… I’ve watched a few things on the Olympics. The opening ceremony was brilliant and I’ll watch some more. Love track and field, so catch you there!
You betcha! My son can’t wait for track & field, either!
16 year old is very impressive and moved me.
As for me, I like Japanese women soccer team.
They ARE impressive! If I didn’t have a million other things to do, I would watch all day and all night long!