Has anyone else been watching the Olympics (I know, I know, I'm looking for a job, leave me alone)? I read a review which took the approach that while there's no doubting the effort and skill that goes in to competing in the various events, some of them don't exactly make for edifying viewing.
I saw some Tables Tennis Doubles this afternoon and that just looks ridiculous, although I'm sure it's very tense when you're involved and have a medal riding on the result! I also find the Weightlifting a little pointless in terms of drama and tension... it's just ten seconds of someone making a rude face and then dropping a heavy thing. Gripping!
Male presenters keep smirking and winking at the viewers about the Beach Volleyball, which has reduced it to the equivalent of a smutty postcard rather than an athletic competition, but it is still a new event, so perhaps in a couple of years... oh, who am I trying to kid? That's never going to be taken seriously.
My favourite event so far has to be the gymnastics, if only because it's so impressive to see how quickly a human being can move their legs when they really want to... but you wouldn't want to get into a fight with one of those Chinese girls if there was a set of parallel bars close-by!
My real complaint against the UK commentators would be how much time they spend building up the British competitors, as if they genuinely believe "we" have a snowball's chance in Hell. Then they come in third (if they're lucky) and the presenters rush to interview the miserable (sometimes tearful) Brit whine about how wonderful they were in training. I'd much rather hear from the winner, whoever they represent (language barrier allowing). I know it's nice for the family and friends of the Brits to see the people they know on TV, but personally I don't feel the slightest patriotism when it comes to these international sporting events. I just want to see atheletes testing their bodies to the limits. I don't care where they come from... may the best competitor win! :)
D...
I saw some Tables Tennis Doubles this afternoon and that just looks ridiculous, although I'm sure it's very tense when you're involved and have a medal riding on the result! I also find the Weightlifting a little pointless in terms of drama and tension... it's just ten seconds of someone making a rude face and then dropping a heavy thing. Gripping!
Male presenters keep smirking and winking at the viewers about the Beach Volleyball, which has reduced it to the equivalent of a smutty postcard rather than an athletic competition, but it is still a new event, so perhaps in a couple of years... oh, who am I trying to kid? That's never going to be taken seriously.
My favourite event so far has to be the gymnastics, if only because it's so impressive to see how quickly a human being can move their legs when they really want to... but you wouldn't want to get into a fight with one of those Chinese girls if there was a set of parallel bars close-by!
My real complaint against the UK commentators would be how much time they spend building up the British competitors, as if they genuinely believe "we" have a snowball's chance in Hell. Then they come in third (if they're lucky) and the presenters rush to interview the miserable (sometimes tearful) Brit whine about how wonderful they were in training. I'd much rather hear from the winner, whoever they represent (language barrier allowing). I know it's nice for the family and friends of the Brits to see the people they know on TV, but personally I don't feel the slightest patriotism when it comes to these international sporting events. I just want to see atheletes testing their bodies to the limits. I don't care where they come from... may the best competitor win! :)
D...
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