Just a quick note about watching the Olympics from a different perspective--from that of a small country whose individual accomplishments make those athletes long remembered in New Zealand sports history (almost any Kiwi can tell you their Gold medal distance runner in 1976). Of course, any heat, semifinal, or final with a Kiwi athlete participating automatically meant viewers here sat on the edge of their seats rooting for their compatriot and by virtue of that participation meant they were often the centerpiece of conversation in idle time. New Zealand won nine total medals and each one, including the bronzes, were cherished, which, I think as an American we too often lose sight of in light of the fact that in many instances we feel a bit let down if we don't win Gold. For these Olympics, the U.S. takes solace in the fact that although we didn't win the most Gold medals, we once again won the most overall and this despite some obvious disappointments in track and field (Michael Phelps notwithstanding).
However, though I think China put on a well-run games and demonstrated an organizational efficiency that comes with the idea that society comes before individual, I can't in good faith celebrate either their attempts to put lipstick on the pig (with great facilities and visually stunning opening and closing ceremonies) or their athletic success, which you just know comes at a price for the individuals involved in it. I really hate making this about politics, but the games struck me as remarkably disingenuous as one of the most elaborate facades of modern times. Until China leaves behind its hold on systemic corruption and state-sponsored athletics, its nearly perverse insecurity before the eyes of the West, and its submission to government control from cradle to grave, I will continue to hope that Taiwan beats it in ping-pong.
For a good synopsis of the Chinese definition of athletic success, this link is a must-read:
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=dw-medalcount082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Oh yeah, go U.S.A.!
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