The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London have come to a close. Here are some reflections looking back at the XXX Summer Olympics.
*Like I said before, Michael Phelps was dominant. He will go down probably as the best Olympian of this generation. It will be a long time (if ever) that someone will match his medal total.
*Along the lines of dominant, Usain Bolt would qualify as well. To repeat gold in sprinting is very impressive. Definitely when you think speed, Bolt comes to mind. It will be interesting to see if he will compete in Rio in 4 years. I haven't heard otherwise. So we could have the first man to three-peat winning the gold in the 100m....which would put him in line for best Olympian of this generation with Phelps.
*It was great to see an All-American final in women's beach volleyball. Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings won their 3rd gold in a row. They were impressive in that they only lost 1 set in their Olympic career together. I admit that I was rooting for Jennifer Kessy and April Ross to win but in the end was happy for Misty and Kerri. What's interesting is that Misty is retiring but Kerri is continuing on to Rio. So she could be going for her 4th gold medal in 4 Olympics. Something to watch for...
*The women's basketball team won their 5th consecutive Gold medal dating back to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. It is the longest Gold medal streak in any women's sport in the Olympics. It seemed that in this Olympics a lot of talk went to the women's soccer team and not so much to the basketball team. But regardless, what the basketball team did was impressive and they will strive for a 6th straight Gold medal in Rio.
*On the men's side, they did their job in winning another Gold medal. They had a tough finals against Spain and won by only 7. A lot was made about this year's team in comparison to the '92 Dream Team but in an of themselves they were a good team. I still don't think this year's team could beat the '08 Redeem Team, but they did win the Gold so props to them. I hope that the pros continue to play in the Olympics because it makes it mean more. I don't think there will be changes in 4 years but after that who knows.
*This Olympics was definitely the "Social Media" Olympics. Twitter was still in it's infancy in '08 and was picking up steam in '10 in Vancouver but this year it was everywhere. Coupled that with smart phones and online coverage and it seemed that everyone was talking about the Olympics in those mediums. That coupled with the disdain for tape delay (a tradition in Olympic coverage) made for a lot of frustrating times when it came to the "primetime" events. Part of that I said before was the '08 games had more of the "primetime" events live & not on tape delay given it was halfway around the world. With it only being about 5 hours from East Coast to London it was just rough. However, the next Winter & Summer games could be less of that. I do think NBC will tweak their coverage and improve it based on the "social media" response that was given.
*Overall, London did a great job and should be commended. It'll be interesting how Rio does in 4 years.
Showing posts with label gold medal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gold medal. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
More Reflections on the London Olympics
*Michael Phelps ended up with 22 medals with 18 of them gold medals. That is ridiculous. He medaled in 22 of 24 Olympic finals. That is a pretty good percentage right there. Some compared his finish to that of Michael Jordan retiring (the 1998 retirement). The crazy thing is that Ryan Lochte is older than Phelps and will be at the Rio Olympics in 2016. So honestly, if Phelps wanted to, he could add to that total. But given his comments, I don't think he'll go back on saying he's retiring. There are Olympic athletes that dominate a generation. Phelps is definitely one of those athletes.
*Usain Bolt is fast. Anyone who watched the final of the 100m race can attest to that. And that final had some big time names in it: besides Bolt, there was his teammate and fellow countryman Yohan Blake, who beat Bolt at the Jamaican Olympic qualifiers and also is the reigning World Champion at 100m, Justin Gatlin, USA runner who won the gold back 2004 & was coming off of suspension, Tyson Gay another USA runner who won the World Championships in 2007. So it was a big time race. And Bolt came through with an Olympic record time & 2nd fastest time in the world only to himself. It was one of those blink and you'll miss it.
A cool side story. After the race, Bolt was being interviewed by a Spanish network. The reporter was trying to ask questions just as the national anthem was being played for the medal ceremony for the winner of the women's 400m, American Sanya Richards-Ross. Bolt politely stopped the interview and pointed to the medal podium and paused while the American anthem was played. Afterwards, he finished the interview with the reporter. Classy move and one that deserves props.
*On the flip side of that, the USA women's soccer team. This tournament has seen them win every match so far (though there were some scares against France & recently in their semifinal matchup against Canada). Along with that, there has been some antics they've done which has been disappointing. After some of their goals (particularly against New Zealand) there were over the top in their celebrations. Now I'm all for celebrations, in the heat of the moment, excited spontaneous celebrations are great. But if you're choreographing them (especially the worm one) that's a bit too much, especially in the Olympics. I haven't seen the women's basketball team do things like that (and they're the best in the world), neither has the women's volleyball team either (and they're undefeated so far in these games as well). I think the soccer team should take a page from those teams and win without losing respect of other teams.
*Speaking of the USA volleyball teams (both men's and women's) both sides look dominating. They both won their groups and are in line for a chance to both get gold. Beach volleyball could have a USA gold medal final on the women's side with Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings vs. Jen Kessy & April Ross. Unfortunately, on the men's side both US teams got bounced so no medals there. That'll have to be rectified in 4 years in Rio.
*Hopefully in 4 years as well, NBC will have better coverage of the games. This has been a bad summer games for the network as they have gotten a lot of things wrong. Part of it I think is not updating with the times & part of it is having London be a 5 hour time difference from the East Coast. Next summer games, it will be in Rio, which is only a 1 hour time difference. So hopefully more live prime time events will help out. They can get a jump start on this in 2 years with the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, which is an 8 hour time difference.
*Usain Bolt is fast. Anyone who watched the final of the 100m race can attest to that. And that final had some big time names in it: besides Bolt, there was his teammate and fellow countryman Yohan Blake, who beat Bolt at the Jamaican Olympic qualifiers and also is the reigning World Champion at 100m, Justin Gatlin, USA runner who won the gold back 2004 & was coming off of suspension, Tyson Gay another USA runner who won the World Championships in 2007. So it was a big time race. And Bolt came through with an Olympic record time & 2nd fastest time in the world only to himself. It was one of those blink and you'll miss it.
A cool side story. After the race, Bolt was being interviewed by a Spanish network. The reporter was trying to ask questions just as the national anthem was being played for the medal ceremony for the winner of the women's 400m, American Sanya Richards-Ross. Bolt politely stopped the interview and pointed to the medal podium and paused while the American anthem was played. Afterwards, he finished the interview with the reporter. Classy move and one that deserves props.
*On the flip side of that, the USA women's soccer team. This tournament has seen them win every match so far (though there were some scares against France & recently in their semifinal matchup against Canada). Along with that, there has been some antics they've done which has been disappointing. After some of their goals (particularly against New Zealand) there were over the top in their celebrations. Now I'm all for celebrations, in the heat of the moment, excited spontaneous celebrations are great. But if you're choreographing them (especially the worm one) that's a bit too much, especially in the Olympics. I haven't seen the women's basketball team do things like that (and they're the best in the world), neither has the women's volleyball team either (and they're undefeated so far in these games as well). I think the soccer team should take a page from those teams and win without losing respect of other teams.
*Speaking of the USA volleyball teams (both men's and women's) both sides look dominating. They both won their groups and are in line for a chance to both get gold. Beach volleyball could have a USA gold medal final on the women's side with Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings vs. Jen Kessy & April Ross. Unfortunately, on the men's side both US teams got bounced so no medals there. That'll have to be rectified in 4 years in Rio.
*Hopefully in 4 years as well, NBC will have better coverage of the games. This has been a bad summer games for the network as they have gotten a lot of things wrong. Part of it I think is not updating with the times & part of it is having London be a 5 hour time difference from the East Coast. Next summer games, it will be in Rio, which is only a 1 hour time difference. So hopefully more live prime time events will help out. They can get a jump start on this in 2 years with the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, which is an 8 hour time difference.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Reflections on Michael Phelps
Yesterday Michael Phelps, swimmer for Team USA, became the winningest Olympian with 19 medals. He tied the mark for most at 18 with a silver in the 200 fly . He broke the record with a gold in the 4x200 IM relay. Starting in the 2004 Athens games up to this point, Phelps has 15 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze (he also raced in the 2000 Sydney games but did not medal). He still has a few more races left in London so he could add to his medal count.
The record that he broke had stood since 1964 with Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina. I will admit, as much of a Olympic geek as I am, I hadn't heard of her prior to Phelps being on the brink of breaking the record. Latynina won 9 gold medals (still the only woman to hold that honor) and competed until she was 30, which is unheard of today in gymnastics. She was on hand to watch Phelps break the record and was happy for him.
These London Olympics haven't been the best swan song for Phelps (finishing 4th in one final, not getting gold in his best event) but he has accomplished something that no Olympian has ever accomplished. He broke a record that stood for 48 years. It's moments like that which make sports so great to watch. So congrats Michael Phelps, arguably the best swimmer and one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.
The record that he broke had stood since 1964 with Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina. I will admit, as much of a Olympic geek as I am, I hadn't heard of her prior to Phelps being on the brink of breaking the record. Latynina won 9 gold medals (still the only woman to hold that honor) and competed until she was 30, which is unheard of today in gymnastics. She was on hand to watch Phelps break the record and was happy for him.
These London Olympics haven't been the best swan song for Phelps (finishing 4th in one final, not getting gold in his best event) but he has accomplished something that no Olympian has ever accomplished. He broke a record that stood for 48 years. It's moments like that which make sports so great to watch. So congrats Michael Phelps, arguably the best swimmer and one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Reflections on "The Dream Team" & Their 20 Year Anniversary
Twenty years ago this month is the anniversary of one of the greatest teams assembled in the history of basketball. The Dream Team. A team that was comprised of players who were Hall of Famers and arguably some of the greatest of all time on one team, playing for Team USA in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
The history of the Dream Team goes back to the previous Summer Olympics in 1988. In those Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Team USA finished 3rd. At the time, that was the worst showing for a USA men's basketball team in the Olympics. Previously they had won gold in every Olympics that had basketball as a medal sport (aside from the controversial 1972 Munich games). That coupled with the rule passed by FIBA (the international governing body) that allowed NBA players to play in international tournaments set the stage for the Dream Team.
Growing up during this time, I was a huge NBA fan. And why not? The players I got to see in their prime was a who's who of Hall of Famers. So when hearing about they were going to allow NBA stars to play in the Olympics, I was super excited. The roster was stacked to say the least: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Christian Laettner. I remember that aside from Laettner, I was happy with the guys that made it (I personally thought that Shaquille O'Neal should've been the college representative).
I remember the buildup was huge. There were Team USA merchendise everywhere. I think somewhere I still have the Starting Lineup figures of the entire Dream Team roster along with the cups from McDonalds that they gave away with Extra Value Meals.
The team itself did not disappoint. They steamrolled through the competition on the way to a gold medal. Not only that, they made a cultural imprint on the game of basketball. Their impact played a role in more internationals getting involved in basketball and eventually playing in the NBA.
The numbers speak for themselves. 11 of the 12 players (the lone exception being Laettner) and 3 of the 4 coaches (Chuck Daly, Lenny Wilkens & Mike Krzyzewski) are in the Basketball Hall of Fame as individuals and the team itself was enshrined in 2010. Every Olympic team since has been compared to that team. I don't think there will be another "Dream Team". They were a one of a kind team.
The history of the Dream Team goes back to the previous Summer Olympics in 1988. In those Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Team USA finished 3rd. At the time, that was the worst showing for a USA men's basketball team in the Olympics. Previously they had won gold in every Olympics that had basketball as a medal sport (aside from the controversial 1972 Munich games). That coupled with the rule passed by FIBA (the international governing body) that allowed NBA players to play in international tournaments set the stage for the Dream Team.
Growing up during this time, I was a huge NBA fan. And why not? The players I got to see in their prime was a who's who of Hall of Famers. So when hearing about they were going to allow NBA stars to play in the Olympics, I was super excited. The roster was stacked to say the least: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Christian Laettner. I remember that aside from Laettner, I was happy with the guys that made it (I personally thought that Shaquille O'Neal should've been the college representative).
I remember the buildup was huge. There were Team USA merchendise everywhere. I think somewhere I still have the Starting Lineup figures of the entire Dream Team roster along with the cups from McDonalds that they gave away with Extra Value Meals.
The team itself did not disappoint. They steamrolled through the competition on the way to a gold medal. Not only that, they made a cultural imprint on the game of basketball. Their impact played a role in more internationals getting involved in basketball and eventually playing in the NBA.
The numbers speak for themselves. 11 of the 12 players (the lone exception being Laettner) and 3 of the 4 coaches (Chuck Daly, Lenny Wilkens & Mike Krzyzewski) are in the Basketball Hall of Fame as individuals and the team itself was enshrined in 2010. Every Olympic team since has been compared to that team. I don't think there will be another "Dream Team". They were a one of a kind team.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
What A Game: Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game
I was going to write a post on the USA men's hockey team. I think all that can be said is in the game that just took place. Though I'm disappointed that the team lost, I think it says a lot about how the team played. It's a much younger team than previous times and one that wasn't expected to do much. Most thought it would be Canada, Russia, Czech Republic and Sweden would be the top teams. For the U.S. to do what they did (go undefeated in pool play, get to the gold medal game, score with 24 seconds left in the 3rd period to tie the game), I think it says a lot about their heart.
It's a great lesson in playing hard and that even though they didn't win the gold, they were successful in what they accomplished. I hope the NHL allows their players to play in 2014, it makes it way more entertaining and I think showcases the NHL in more ways than if they didn't.
It definitely was a great way to close out the Olympics. Now the countdown is on for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London [and my birthday as well :)]
It's a great lesson in playing hard and that even though they didn't win the gold, they were successful in what they accomplished. I hope the NHL allows their players to play in 2014, it makes it way more entertaining and I think showcases the NHL in more ways than if they didn't.
It definitely was a great way to close out the Olympics. Now the countdown is on for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London [and my birthday as well :)]
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Reflections on the 2008 Olympic Games
The last day of the 2008 Summer Olympics has come. And while there are so many stories to tell, here are a few snippets of what I'll take from it.
*It was something special to see Michael Phelps achieve what he did. So many times we hear about athletes and how they are favored to win games or events but they aren't able to whether by great competitors or underachieving. Phelps was able to accomplish the feat of 8 gold medals by his talents and also through teammates in the relays. More so in the water, I was impressed by him out of the water. For 23 years old, he seemed very mature. I hope to see and hear more good things out of him.
*The Redeem Team took care of business, winning the gold medal and going 8-0 in the games. It was the first time in my mind since the first two Dream Teams (1992, 1996) where the players really respected the country in which they played for and the other countries as well. And though I never thought I'd say this, I have come to respect Kobe Bryant. I think this experience with him in the Olympics has made him a better athlete and a better person. Though I wouldn't go as far as to say I will root for the guy in the future, he has earned my respect and that's saying something.
*For as much as there was made about they Olympics being in China, there was a lot of positive stories to come out of there. Though there is a lot of negative stuff that still surrounds this country regarding civil rights and oppression of the Gospel, hopefully these past two weeks have been an opportunity that God will use to open the country up and for people both inside the country and out to see what all is available to them.
*It was something special to see Michael Phelps achieve what he did. So many times we hear about athletes and how they are favored to win games or events but they aren't able to whether by great competitors or underachieving. Phelps was able to accomplish the feat of 8 gold medals by his talents and also through teammates in the relays. More so in the water, I was impressed by him out of the water. For 23 years old, he seemed very mature. I hope to see and hear more good things out of him.
*The Redeem Team took care of business, winning the gold medal and going 8-0 in the games. It was the first time in my mind since the first two Dream Teams (1992, 1996) where the players really respected the country in which they played for and the other countries as well. And though I never thought I'd say this, I have come to respect Kobe Bryant. I think this experience with him in the Olympics has made him a better athlete and a better person. Though I wouldn't go as far as to say I will root for the guy in the future, he has earned my respect and that's saying something.
*For as much as there was made about they Olympics being in China, there was a lot of positive stories to come out of there. Though there is a lot of negative stuff that still surrounds this country regarding civil rights and oppression of the Gospel, hopefully these past two weeks have been an opportunity that God will use to open the country up and for people both inside the country and out to see what all is available to them.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Michael Phelps = The Man
I've enjoyed so far watching what's taken place at the Olympics. The beach volleyball performances have been great. The "Redeem Team" (which I'll talk more on in another post) beat the host team with about a billion people watching around the world. But the coolest thing has been seeing Michael Phelps in action in swimming. He has gotten off to a great start with three gold medals so far and has produced some memorable moments in doing it.
Probably the best moment (in my opinion) was the performance that he and the U.S. 4x100 freestyle relay team did on Monday morning in Bejing (or Sunday night here). It was considered an event that the U.S. used to dominate for many years but recently had not won in the Olympics. The French were the upstart favorites and even did some trash talking saying they were going to smash the Americans. But as the old saying goes, you don't win on paper.
It was probably one of the best finishes to an event I've ever seen. To come back and win by essentially hundreths of a second is tremendous. I was jumping up and down and yelling when the finish happened. It was definitely a cool moment.
Sometimes we have people that we heavily hype up but they don't live up to the hype. Michael Phelps is a great athlete and I would not be surprised if he ended up with 8 gold medals at this Olympics. It will be worth watching to see how thing play out in the rest of the events.
Probably the best moment (in my opinion) was the performance that he and the U.S. 4x100 freestyle relay team did on Monday morning in Bejing (or Sunday night here). It was considered an event that the U.S. used to dominate for many years but recently had not won in the Olympics. The French were the upstart favorites and even did some trash talking saying they were going to smash the Americans. But as the old saying goes, you don't win on paper.
It was probably one of the best finishes to an event I've ever seen. To come back and win by essentially hundreths of a second is tremendous. I was jumping up and down and yelling when the finish happened. It was definitely a cool moment.
Sometimes we have people that we heavily hype up but they don't live up to the hype. Michael Phelps is a great athlete and I would not be surprised if he ended up with 8 gold medals at this Olympics. It will be worth watching to see how thing play out in the rest of the events.
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