What the Summer Olympics were Missing
I’m getting bummed that the Olympics are almost over. Not only have I enjoyed watching the actual games, I love all the story lines. Like, would Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt continue to dominate their events? (They did). Or would the polluted Brazilian water melt the faces off of the competitors in the rowing events like in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
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It didn’t. And neither did the diving pool, but it sure looked like it would.
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I really enjoyed watching Simone Biles and the rest of the gymnastics team OBLITERATE the competition. Although, if you read my post about the Winter Olymics, you’d know that I would probably have a tough time considering gymnastics as an actual sport.
It’s not that I don’t consider them athletes – they are probably the ultimate physical specimens. It’s just that the word “sport” assumes fair competition. But when winners and losers are 100% determined by a judge, it can’t be objective. An athlete can do something as well the others, but if a judge or two has a bug up their ass that day, tough luck.
And yes, that also applies to Dressage (aka Horse Ballet)
I still shake my head at that being in the Olympics, especially when there were some glaring omissions.
Like, how come competitive eating is not in the Olympics? Watching little Japanese guys wolfing down 67 hot dogs in a minute has all the necessary elements – training, suspense, spectacle, the thrill of victory. And yes, an objective scoring methodology. If and when it does become one, you know I’ll be ready for it. You know what I did to that 2-lb burger.
Another glaring omission – Turkish Oil Wrestling.
The wrestlers cover themselves in oil and then try to pin down their opponent by sticking their hands down the others’ pants. And did I mention that the pants are LEATHER?
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Sign. Me. Up.
Anyway, the biggest omission of them all in the 2016 Summer Olymics was a musical one. How can a world famous event be held in Rio De Janeiro and not feature a world famous musician from Brazil? Arguably THE MOST famous Brazilian musician ever?
I’m talking about Sergio Mendes, the man who gave us Mas Que Nada
And did the Oscar-nominated, definitive version of The Look of Love
And one of the greatest hits of the 1980s – Never Gonna Let You Go
Ok, maybe “one of the greatest” was a little bit of a stretch…
Have you been watching the Olympics? Any other sports they should include or exclude?
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10 comments on “What the Summer Olympics were Missing”
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I volunteer for the Turkish Oil Wrestling!
To judge, I meant to judge. (wipes drool)
Oh cmon, get oily with us!!
Love the addition of rugby 7’s. There are some that I think should get rid of, but certain countries depend on those “sports” for medals so I would hate to for that reason. Having a hard time figuring out how they are going to do the surfing thing- I guess no inland cities! And rock climbing?!
Yeah, I played rugby in college… Rock climbing would be cool, too
Now that I live in Texas, there should be more events with guns. Lots and lots of guns.
And bibles.
It’s funny that you mentioned musical omissions. I was thinking the same thing while I was watching. I was happy to see Caetano Veloso out there for a minute, but I kept waiting for Joyce or Bebel Gilberto or Maria Bethânia to take the stage… still was a great viewing event, though. As for omitted sports they should have included, I nominate Competitive Group and Individual High-Fiving, judged on originality of execution, accuracy, selected props, altitude, and musical accompaniment.😊
I think I can excel at individual high fiving. Do I have to wear sequins tho?
I missed the last half of the Olympics since I was on vacation. I keep waiting for skydiving to get approved as a sport in it, but I guess that is why they have the X games and the like.
I hope that’s not a race to the ground!