(1) 10 K open water swim
Yes, I watched every minute of these races (men's and women's) live. They each swim for about 2 hours straight, pulling up to the feed stations and eating/drinking on the fly just like their running counterparts. Absolutely an amazing example of endurance and perseverance. Besides the men's winner from the Netherlands was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years back and fought back to be the swimmer he is.(2) Triathlon (men's and women's)
Maybe it was just because I like participating in Tris myself, I love watching these athletes compete in Beijing. But please, what is up with the sticky blue carpet they had to ride and run on? The coefficient of friction on their tires was so much higher it caused them to expend a lot of energy.
(3) Flatwater Kayaking!
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0821_SD_CFB_HL_L1097
Grace, power, speed, and water (why have my first three included water?); it doesn't get any better than this. So, much so I had to include a video of the women's K1 final. Just enjoy.
(4) Mountain biking
This was part of the course. A course which had been ripped on by the racers prior to the Olympics after they raced a world cup qualifier there. It was too easy they said. So, the officials made it harder by putting in more drops, rocks and fun things to cross. Well, they got what they wished. Women walked, men dropped out, and people rode away with BIG victories; I LOVE IT!(5) Fencing
And finally fencing. I have always loved these events, but I got to watch more of it online WITHOUT COMMENTARY! Which I loved. Again, grace and power with a bit of fancy footwork and handwork thrown in. Oh and some jumping and lunging :)! Ancient sport kept new and fresh with technology; same old moves, but a new sound. Besides who wouldn't love the only sport that is played in the dark. Obviously the athletes are highlighted, but the audience is in the dark, just like a play, an artistic and beautifully choreographed play.HONORABLE MENTIONS: (Mostly because they are sports I played :)!)
I would have put beach volleyball on here, but I don't think any sport that has a rule that women have to wear bikinis should be vilified.
Indoor volleyball is an awesome sport, especially since the introduction of the libero (back row specialist...what I was in High School without the fancy name).
And finally, women's soccer. We all know how much I love this game, but to have won the gold again, even with a keeper who scares me to DEATH, was wonderful and worth my time :)!
So, here is what I want to do: I want anyone who wants to, to tell me what your favorite moment or sport of the Olympics was. It doesn't have to be anything special and it could just be a moment, as I said. I would just love to hear what other people saw and thought.
Final note: Here we come LONDON...
You think with David Beckham as their "spokes person" London's goal will be the football gold? I mean, 119 is a fine goal, but I bet they want one more than any other on their home turf!
I love being connected via blogs! Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. I can't believe it's been 9 years! I am coming up on my ten year mark of entering the MTC. How did we get so old? :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure you read about my friend Ginger passing away. It's probably been one of the hardest things I've had to deal with. Thank goodness for our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and knowing that her family is eternal.
As for the Olympics-the men's relay was amazing and all the other Michael Phelps races. It was so cool to see history being made.
I hope all is well!
Glad to see that you enjoy the more obscure olympic sports too! But really, you should move to Canada where the coverage is just SO much better! Are you back to school now? Life here is crazy. I'm heading to Australia for a two week vacation and when I get back I'm packing up and moving to Calgary at the end of September for a job as a clinical exercise physiologist!!!
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