Olympic Thoughts

Some quick thoughts on the Olympics.

*I lucked-out Sunday night. Approaching midnight, I nearly hit the "off" button on the HD set. Instead, I sucked it up, stayed awake, and witnessed one of the most thrilling races in Olympic history. In swimming, the men's 4x100 FS relay was gripping to watch and grew more intense as each leg passed. If you didn't see it live, find a friend who DVR'd it. It's worth seeing!

*The biggest misconception viewers have about local sportscasters is that they spend all their time at work watching sports on television. Not the case! Our focus is mostly (90%) on local coverage, and while there is always a game on in the office, we're lucky to give it close attention. If I were working this week, I'd have kept pace with the Olympic coverage, but there's no way I'd be drawn in as a fan/viewer/spectator. I (once again) lucked-out by taking some time off this week. I've actually watched the games as a fan. Trust me, at least in this case, being a fan is much better than being a sportscaster.

*I spend a lot of time around athletes of various shapes and sizes. Most of them are very fit. The others are NASCAR drivers. Ok, that's just a joke. I did some motorcycle racing when I was young, and trust me, most people who criticize motorsports couldn't stay on a dirt bike for 100 yards-- let alone for a 45-minute moto.  But here's my point-- as I grow older, I am stunned (and become slightly depressed) at the sight of an Olympic athletes' body. Gymnastics and swimming especially. Then I realize why I DON'T look like those guys. Which leads me to my next observation.

*I know it pays the bills, but doesn't it seem slightly absurd to see the finest collection of athletic talent in the world perform with bodies that contain ABSOLUTELY no body fat-- and when the coverage stops, we get bombarded with commercials for fried chicken sandwiches?  What's even more absurd, the actors used in those commericals look like athletes that have NEVER actually eaten the food they're selling.

*Some people think I've got a great job.  No, BOB COSTAS has a great job.  

*This week's Olympic stuff has been great.  It was awesome to see Christine Magnuson, a former Lady Vol, win a silver medal in swimming. Track and field is next week. There are plenty of former UT athletes competing. Two of my favorites are Dee Dee Trotter in the 400 meters, and Anthony Famiglietti in the 3000 meter steeplechase. I've done a couple of stories with Dee Dee. She's engaging, energetic, and stands firm in her commitment to keep the sport clean (from PEDs).  "Fam" is one of the most unique athletes I've ever met-- his mindset goes beyond athletics. He's an artist, works with film, is aware of the world around him-- and THAT is not always the case with athletes. I hope they both do well!