View Full Version : Is anyone else annoyed with the olympic medal count?
roadie gal
08-19-2008, 07:01 PM
When you watch the olympics you hear over and over again how the games promote unity and cooperation between nations. BUT in the next breath they give the medal count. Somehow that seems the complete antithesis to promoting unity. In my mind keeping a running count of who has more medals promotes an unhealthy competition between nations (as opposed to individual competition).
salsabike
08-19-2008, 07:04 PM
The Canadian channel, CBUT, doesn't seem to do that--that's why we watch it!
kelownagirl
08-19-2008, 07:13 PM
The Canadian channel, CBUT, doesn't seem to do that--that's why we watch it!
That's probably because we aren't winning many medals. LOL...
salsabike
08-19-2008, 07:18 PM
Yeah, but your guy who sprinted at the end of the men's triathlon was fabulous! The silver medalist. We were YELLING! "Come on, come on!"
And I still think that's not the ONLY reason. The coverage is just more even handed all around---all athletes get discussed, etc.
I'm a bit annoyed the the US coverage seems to be primarily of sports in which the US has a strong contender. There seems to only be limited daytime/evening coverage of events where the US is not expected to do well :( You CAN see the other stuff, if you stay up all night, and if you're willing to watch it online in the little tiny window they give you.
OakLeaf
08-20-2008, 04:33 AM
If it was intended to be a truly open competition, then athletes would compete as individuals (or as representatives of multinational corporate sponsors) and not as representatives of nations. When the organizers decided in 1896 that countries and their respective national sport federations would send the athletes, that decided that the modern Olympics would be a competition among nations.
Aggie_Ama
08-20-2008, 04:41 AM
Flur- DVR is a magical thing. I can only take so much of the prime time sports, I even burnt out on gymnastics because the scoring seems so off. We got to see almost all the track cycling, road, triathalon and some other off stuff.
I am most excited when an underdog wins, did anyone catch the whitewater Kayak when Togo won their first medal ever? That was the stuff the Olympics are made of.
TahoeDirtGirl
08-20-2008, 05:30 AM
I've been keeping my strong opinions :) under wraps but I am annoyed at the Michael Phelps thing. I wholeheartedly appreciate his training and determination, but over and over we hear how he basically never needs to work again and will be one of the most endorsed Olympics athlete ever.
All of this going on while Dara is swimming her a$$ off. That is the one I cheered for. That annoyed me even more because I was at a local sports bar and while she was swimming no one was cheering, no one cared. BUT OH when Phelps gets on, the band STOPPED and everyone was cheering. Yeah, he got 8 gold medals, broke the record, but the whole leading up to it wasn't even sportsmanlike anymore, and not really his fault, but the media! I got so annoyed! Dara has been the only Olympic medalist that 'old' and had a child! Just seeing Dara compete makes me think...hmmmmmm...maybe we aren't getting as old as we think :)
I think my problem is that alot of people are just sheep and just go with what the media is telling them. I didn't even want to watch the Phelps race because he was a sure thing to win. I am glad I got to see Dara win the silver, it was a good race. You could see though how much she *really* wanted the gold. She says she won't be back in 4 years. We shall see!
arielmoon
08-20-2008, 06:02 AM
I agree about Dara- she is my hero. In fact I have named my new bike after her!
Aggie_Ama
08-20-2008, 07:28 AM
I got tired of the Phelps too. My opinions I will keep to myself because I don't want to offend anyone.
I was much more interested in hearing more about Dara's schedule, how she trains and is a mom. How does she balance the two pulling her time?
I got tired of the Phelps too. My opinions I will keep to myself because I don't want to offend anyone.
I was much more interested in hearing more about Dara's schedule, how she trains and is a mom. How does she balance the two pulling her time?
Apparently a nanny and lots of professionals to help her train, plus a training schedule that focuses less on time spent in the pool (figuring that after so many years, she's got her form down perfectly) and more on strength/muscles working together and good recovery: http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/training-secrets-of-olympian-dara-torres/
I think Dara rocks, and I've been pleased in general to see so many "old" female Olympians--the 38 year old marathon winner, the 33 year old German gymnast, and, of course, Dara Torres. But I don't think she's been slighted in the least in her press coverage OR her likelihood for raking in sponsorships and speaking engagements from her achievement. She hasn't gotten equal time as Phelps, but then, she hasn't achieved what he did. No one has. He did in two Olympics more than she's done in five Olympics. More than any Olympian has ever done in history. Dara's appeal is not her performance so much as her longevity in a sport that favors younger athletes, but I suspect she's the leading edge of something that will become more common--training is getting better, and ever since they started allowing professionals to compete in the Olympics, we've started to see people putting off retirement and continuing to compete where in the past they wouldn't have been able to keep training at that level because they had to go out an earn a living. So I understand the fuss about Phelps (and o.k. I'll admit to some bias since he's the hometown hero), but I don't think it's disproportionate to what he accomplished, and I don't think the fuss about him diminishes the lesser fuss around Torres at all.
Sarah
ETA a link to another, better, article about Dara Torres' training schedule: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/sports/othersports/18torres.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
smilingcat
08-20-2008, 12:47 PM
people take it too seriously. I really don't want to hear about the medal count and the gloating that comes with it.
And the rest is unprintable. ;)
Thank goodness I don't have a TV!!
smilingcat
ilima
08-20-2008, 12:50 PM
Don't cry for Dara. She came from major $$$ and has always lived a posh life.
It'd have been nice if she'd swum the 50 just 0.01 second faster and tied for the gold. Two silvers is still a huge accomplishment.
colby
08-20-2008, 01:53 PM
Flur- DVR is a magical thing. I can only take so much of the prime time sports, I even burnt out on gymnastics because the scoring seems so off. We got to see almost all the track cycling, road, triathalon and some other off stuff.
I am most excited when an underdog wins, did anyone catch the whitewater Kayak when Togo won their first medal ever? That was the stuff the Olympics are made of.
I find it amusing that there are fewer commercials the longer you watch... down to around midnight when there are very few. :p
I watched a couple of track (athletics for you canadians ;)) heats (400m I think?), didn't see any finals, but I really enjoyed seeing the woman from Bahrain win her heat. A teammate of hers had apparently won something like the first medal for that country ever, and here she was hauling butt over favorites to win medals. Even if she doesn't win, at least she became visible.
The Phelps Hype Machine was pretty tiring, I enjoyed his relay team races and the close races the most. He's an amazing athlete, don't get me wrong, but I really wanted to hear more about the others, too (Dara was basically a footnote, while we got to hear all about his "dinner plate sized hands" and "torso of a 6'10" man" and eating 10k calories a day).
I guess coverage of Usain Bolt has been there, even though he's not American (and the Jamaicans in general), along with to some degree the Chinese gymnasts - but that could just be because they are upsetting Americans. I wish there were actual Olympics Channels on TV (or I would even settle for the internet) where you could see everything, not just what they wanted you to see.
RoadRaven
08-20-2008, 02:03 PM
unity - schmunity
Its the Olympics
Its about competition
Of course there will be a medal count and comparisons
The point is that its about healthy competition and building relationships
ilima
08-20-2008, 02:59 PM
What makes me kind of chuckle is the different ways the medal count is displayed. Here in the US we have the countries ranked by total medals, putting the US on top. Of course, China has way more GOLD medals, although I do think it's worth noting that a lot of these golds came in sports where judging is involved.
I think Canada is also listing the total medal count, because they are higher on the list that way, while Great Britain is ranking by gold medals, which places them higher than total medal count.
The Olympic team structure is set up to promote nationalism, although I think anybody appreciates a transcendent performance no matter what country they come from. And a lot of the sports compete as national teams regularly (unlike cycling that has trade teams).
Imagine, though, if international competitions were about creating the best team, period. I wonder by how much a 4x100 freestyle relay team composed of Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak (both USA), Eamon Sullivan (AUS) and Alain Bernard (FRA) would crush the world record.
Mr. Bloom
08-20-2008, 04:09 PM
What makes me kind of chuckle is the different ways the medal count is displayed. Here in the US we have the countries ranked by total medals, putting the US on top.
One day, I think we'll accept that we're not the "happenin' place" we used to be...
bounceswoosh
08-20-2008, 07:59 PM
You won't see *every* sport even if you watch all night. The only way to see Taekwondo, at least locally, is to watch online. But -- as far as I know, this is the first Olympics where I can actually view all the matches online. Sure, they still don't bother to provide commentary, but at least I can watch it. That thrills me.
When I heard about the 33 year old gymnast -- and saw her win a silver medal -- well. To me, that is way more amazing than a 41 year old swimmer. But I admit I don't know much about either sport.
badgercat
08-20-2008, 10:14 PM
Don't cry for Dara. She came from major $$$ and has always lived a posh life.
I've kind of wondered about the backgrounds of a lot of athletes, U.S. in particular because that's where I'm from... I was watching a piece on Nastia Liukin, an American gymnast, and there was a clip of her and her dad driving around in a Porsche. Or maybe a Ferrari. I just remember it was something no one in my family could afford. :p
I'm not trying to knock the talents these people have, and I'm certainly not looking to start a class war or say they're only where they are because of their upbringing... but it's just interesting to think about how much money can affect the level of training an athlete receives. Like... how many people out there might have similar natural gifts, but just haven't had the opportunity to cultivate it because they just didn't have the same resources? :confused: It's mind boggling.
Anyway, back to what the OP asked... medal counts are kind of annoying. The media coverage here in general gets on my nerves. Show me less talking and more running/diving/jumping/whatever!
kelownagirl
08-20-2008, 10:31 PM
The Canadian channel, CBUT, doesn't seem to do that--that's why we watch it!
Plus we have cute commercials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGUnZsXW9Sw
kelownagirl
08-20-2008, 10:32 PM
Found this.
http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2008/08/if-olympics-cov.html
ilima
08-20-2008, 10:42 PM
I was really happy to see the 33yo 'German' gymnast win the silver. Phenomenal.
Aggie_Ama
08-21-2008, 07:07 AM
Like... how many people out there might have similar natural gifts, but just haven't had the opportunity to cultivate it because they just didn't have the same resources? :confused: It's mind boggling.
Anyway, back to what the OP asked... medal counts are kind of annoying. The media coverage here in general gets on my nerves. Show me less talking and more running/diving/jumping/whatever!
Whereas last night they said Shawn Johnson's family took out a second mortgage on their house more than once to keep her training.
Then they switch to diving where the one girl and her dad moved to be near the good diving center while her mother stayed working in California. It takes a bit of money to maintain two households, I would think but who knows we just maintain one. :p
I read an article on how much it really costs to raise an Olympian, lots of money goes into to seeing your little darling on the podium of a sport.
Whereas last night they said Shawn Johnson's family took out a second mortgage on their house more than once to keep her training.
Then they switch to diving where the one girl and her dad moved to be near the good diving center while her mother stayed working in California. It takes a bit of money to maintain two households, I would think but who knows we just maintain one. :p
I read an article on how much it really costs to raise an Olympian, lots of money goes into to seeing your little darling on the podium of a sport.
I wonder about all of the others who made similar sacrifices (money and time and effort) whose kids didn't make it onto the team, let alone the podium.
malkin
08-22-2008, 08:28 AM
I like that 33 year old gymnast too.
And Michael Phelps' mom.
But I'm pretty tired of the coverage.
Irulan
08-22-2008, 08:57 AM
I've kind of wondered about the backgrounds of a lot of athletes, U.S. in particular because that's where I'm from... I was watching a piece on Nastia Liukin, an American gymnast, and there was a clip of her and her dad driving around in a Porsche. Or maybe a Ferrari. I just remember it was something no one in my family could afford. :p
I'm not trying to knock the talents these people have, and I'm certainly not looking to start a class war or say they're only where they are because of their upbringing... but it's just interesting to think about how much money can affect the level of training an athlete receives. Like... how many people out there might have similar natural gifts, but just haven't had the opportunity to cultivate it because they just didn't have the same resources? :confused: It's mind boggling.
Anyway, back to what the OP asked... medal counts are kind of annoying. The media coverage here in general gets on my nerves. Show me less talking and more running/diving/jumping/whatever!
In the US, as I understand it, the athletes don't receive a lot of state/federal funding, it is up to the individual and whatever sponsors they can come up with and still remain non-professional. So ya, no resources = no olympic coaching. Our government would rather spend money on, oh, never mind.
here's an interesting article. The USA is one of three countries that does not support it's olympic atheletes.
The United States is one of only three countries where Olympic athletes receive no government funding. Instead the U.S. Olympic Committee relies exclusively on income from the sale of television broadcast rights and from corporate sponsors.
I'm not saying that warehouseing a kid at a state training facility from the age 3 on is the answer either, but surely there is someplace in the middle? This article was a little to rah-rah private sector for me but it does explain how US funding works.
funding article (http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2006/February/20060209164553jmnamdeirf0.9387018.html)
kelownagirl
08-22-2008, 10:23 AM
Michael Phelps has more Gold medals than my country....
bmccasland
08-22-2008, 11:51 AM
Plus we have cute commercials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGUnZsXW9Sw
That is cute!
This is the first year I haven't watched the Olympics at all. I am so burned on only showing the medal rounds where the US has a chance. And then only in the "popular" sports. grumble grumble.
colby
08-22-2008, 04:26 PM
Michael Phelps has more Gold medals than my country....
It's okay... your country is better looking. ;)
(Zing!)
OakLeaf
08-23-2008, 03:13 AM
It's okay... your country is better looking. ;)
(Zing!)
LMAO! The other day I had to explain to DH how the men's swimming is SO not the female porn equivalent of the women's gymnastics and beach volleyball... I still don't think he understood...
Mr. Bloom
08-23-2008, 04:07 AM
LMAO! The other day I had to explain to DH how the men's swimming is SO not the female porn equivalent of the women's gymnastics and beach volleyball... I still don't think he understood...
We're still trying to figure out the spectator appeal of water polo:rolleyes:
I understand that it is quite athletic to do what they do, but it's boring:confused:
Last night, I heard one of the commentators say "they have the best defense in the sport of water polo today"...
:confused:isn't that like being "the best bluegrass band in Denmark":rolleyes:
PS: I don't like basketball either
uforgot
08-23-2008, 04:22 AM
LMAO! The other day I had to explain to DH how the men's swimming is SO not the female porn equivalent of the women's gymnastics and beach volleyball... I still don't think he understood...
I would have argued with you when I was in High School in the 70s. My friends and I all had the poster.
Aggie_Ama
08-23-2008, 07:46 AM
We watched the most bizarrely boring sport- Modern Pentathalon. Part were interesting but mostly it was just weird.
I found water polo extremely boring yet the US channels showed it all the time. Someone must like it but I don't know who.
I don't like watching basketball (except my college and March Madness) or baseball (ever), I didn't watch any of that.
It seems as though the overemphasis on the medal counts night after night fails to embody the spirit of the Olympics.
As much as I enjoy watching the Olympics as a tribute to exceptional human abilities, it is marred by the focus on scores, medals and superiority complexes. I often scoff at the dismal commentary.
Irulan
08-23-2008, 08:12 AM
LMAO! The other day I had to explain to DH how the men's swimming is SO not the female porn equivalent of the women's gymnastics and beach volleyball... I still don't think he understood...
Sure it is. Nicely formed young men in mini speedos? What's not to like?
Irulan
08-23-2008, 08:14 AM
It seems as though the overemphasis on the medal counts night after night fails to embody the spirit of the Olympics.
As much as I enjoy watching the Olympics as a tribute to exceptional human abilities, it is marred by the focus on scores, medals and superiority complexes. I often scoff at the dismal commentary.
I think the spirit of the games was very well represented with footage of the sidelines. During some of the girls gymnastics, when one gal was done with a routing, the various girls from different countries would all hug or greet their competitors while waiting for scores. I thought that was very cool.
Listening to the basketball dream team guys talk about how they finally learned that being on Team USA was about being part of something much bigger and more important than an individual star..... awesome.
bounceswoosh
08-23-2008, 08:54 AM
Sure it is. Nicely formed young men in mini speedos? What's not to like?
They don't wear mini speedos for speed swimming -- they wear suits with about the same coverage as cycling bib shorts, although even more form-fitting.
But I have to agree -- those swimmer bodies are pretty good eye candy.
Irulan
08-23-2008, 09:52 AM
They don't wear mini speedos for speed swimming -- they wear suits with about the same coverage as cycling bib shorts, although even more form-fitting.
But I have to agree -- those swimmer bodies are pretty good eye candy.
I was referring to the divers.
OakLeaf
08-23-2008, 11:29 AM
Sure it is. Nicely formed young men in mini speedos? What's not to like?
Goggles, swim caps, shark suits. Plus more subQ fat than any other sport.
Never mind Phelps actually looks better with the goggles and swim cap on...
I like faces, and I like 'em cut. Apparently I'm in the minority here, though :cool:
bounceswoosh
08-23-2008, 09:58 PM
Goggles, swim caps, shark suits. Plus more subQ fat than any other sport.
Never mind Phelps actually looks better with the goggles and swim cap on...
I like faces, and I like 'em cut. Apparently I'm in the minority here, though :cool:
Heh. As far back as high school, I remember finding swimmer bodies very nice to look at. If those boys have lots of subQ fat, I guess I like 'em that way.
colby
08-23-2008, 10:06 PM
I was referring to the divers.
The divers seem to be another story... I'd say that might be closer to the gymnastics/beach volleyball equivalent ;)
I think the spirit of the games was very well represented with footage of the sidelines. During some of the girls gymnastics, when one gal was done with a routing, the various girls from different countries would all hug or greet their competitors while waiting for scores. I thought that was very cool.
I was mostly referring to the officials and commentator's views they were presenting on the television and overemphasizing to the audience the medal count. I was very impressed by the interactions between athletes :)
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