Olympic Gymnastics and Sports in General

vinuneuro · #1 08-15-2008, 03:04 AM

Been watching all of the gymnastics so far, and I gotta say, WOW! I think the Olympics is about the only time they ever televise this sport, and this is the first time I've followed it in probably 4 years. It's just such a pleasure to watch. In terms of pure athletecism, I don't think any other sport comes close (imho). In general though, it's great being able to watch sports that we might not normally be able to.

Seems like we've done relatively well in gymnasitcs, both men and women. Women took Gold and Silver in the individual all-around, so way to go! Swimming is of course a complete dominance.

The other great thing about watching the (North) American televised Olympics is that you get to appreciate how diverse our Olympic team is across various sports. For example: the men's gymnastic team has guys of Chinese, Indian and Russian descent; the women's side has a gymanist of Russian (the one who took gold and dad is a former gold medalist too) descent and a Chinese coach; they also mentioned that the women's volleyball coach is a Chinese Olympic champion; and I'm sure this distinguishing feature is evident across all our teams. It's what defines us as a nation and what truly makes our country so special.

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ZsX5o3 · #2 08-15-2008, 03:42 AM

Yup, I had that thought as well. As much as parts of the world dislikes us, we're a nation of complete diversity united as one.

Michelle · #3 08-15-2008, 07:27 AM

NBC broadcasts meets throughout the year, but much more in olympic years. College gymnastics is on ESPN a lot, too.

My sister (Kristen) was a Level 10 gymnast - the level just below the olympic girls (Elite Level). The decision to go on the olympic path has to be decided very early on, and she didn't want to do it. As a Level 10 gymnast, she was already in the gym 20 hours per week. The Elite Level girls are there much more, including before and after school every day.

Kristen also has several (I think it's 10) All-American honors in collegiate gymnastics. So, gymnastics was a huge part of our lives for almost 20 years.

We went to the olympic trials in 1992 when they were in Baltimore.

vinuneuro · #4 08-15-2008, 03:56 PM

That is the other amazing thing, how dedicated atheletes and hard working these atheletes are. I doubt most of us could even fathom how demanding it must be.

B-Line · #5 08-15-2008, 04:03 PM

I couldn't imagine training my entire life to go the Olympics. All the sacrifices, all the work, etc. The only thing worse than beating your body to death for a medal would be, doing all that work and coming in 4th place..

I respect and admire all serious athletes, except for maybe the Backgammon dorks, lol.. If they are going to keep that in the Olympics then why not Texas Hold Em Poker? Or Xbox 360 Halo...

And I agree Vin, what makes this country SO great and our Olympic team, is the diversity that defines it.

trueX5er · #6 08-15-2008, 04:38 PM

^ The olympics is a lot of work mentally, too. It must be terrifying doing your routine, that you've done perfectly dozens of times before, and then having to do it with millions of people watching. Some people just can't handle it, and when they mess up, they are instantly labeled as "bad". These really are the best athletes in the entire world, I just wish the grading/scoring etc, process reflected that instead of demanding perfection.

B-Line · #7 08-15-2008, 04:45 PM

T, I agree...

I could never handle that pressure. I know that just from my racing career. There are some people I race with, when the pressure is on, THEY SHINE and do amazing things.

Me, when I make some brilliant moves, have a couple beautiful passes and find myself in P1, I'll inevitable do something stupid, choke, and finish the race in 4th place instead of 1st.

Now I'm sure if I had more seat time, I could learn how to lead the pack and hold the pack behind me.. Essentially, learn how to win.

But I don't for a second think that any athletes that know how to CLOSE IT, deserve anything less than my 100% respect.

vinuneuro · #8 08-15-2008, 06:28 PM

Can any one of us imagine the pressure on Chinese gymnists and their atheletes in general? These little girls and the men have only done gymnastics their entire life. A lot of them were taken from their families as little as 3yo, this is their existence. I just can't imagine the pressure.

And once again, we have to admire what we do as a nation. We produce top-level atheletes who lead absolutely normal lives.

soccerjunky · #9 08-15-2008, 07:28 PM

Yea Lance Armstrong was a pretty amazing athlete as well, what do you think about the possibility of Lance using drugs or doping? Or is it possible he gained strange supernatural powers after his scrotum was repeatedly irradiated?

FSETH · #10 08-15-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Can any one of us imagine the pressure on Chinese gymnists and their atheletes in general? These little girls and the men have only done gymnastics their entire life. A lot of them were taken from their families as little as 3yo, this is their existence. I just can't imagine the pressure.

And once again, we have to admire what we do as a nation. We produce top-level atheletes who lead absolutely normal lives.

I did notice how diverse our athletes are. That is what makes us so strong in the Olympics, IMO.

Seriously, what kind of life do these young Chinese athletes have? These kids can't even decide for themselves at 3 years of age if they want to commit to the level of training that an Olympic athlete requires. They are basically torn from their house, forced into it and brainwashed. They are the Olympic equivalent of the kids that are raised to be suicide bombers in the middle east.

Gymnastics has been OK to watch, but swimming has been the most exciting so far. Except when Phelps is in the pool. He is so much better than his competition it is nuts. He looks unbeatable.

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