Olympic Fever

Hi. My name's Claire and I'm an Olympics-aholic. I didn't think it would happen to me. I thought I could take it or leave it. I didn't even have any plans to watch any of the coverage. I was otherwise engaged during the Opening Ceremonies, which was the only part I was thinking about watching, so once that was over, I thought I was home free.

But, no! I got sucked in and now I can't turn it off. It doesn't matter what sport is on, I'm loving them all. In the past, I used to only follow the women's gymnastics, but now I've watched cycling, beach volleyball, white water kayaking, all the swimming, men's and women's gymnastics, and even the truly bizarre sport of synchronized diving. I'm just a sucker for the hopes, the struggles, the adrenaline push for the finish line, and don't get me started on those dang medal ceremonies with the flags flying, the anthems playing and the athletes alternately beaming, crying and singing. I've also enjoyed the glimpses into Chinese culture and the background profiles of all the athletes.

Also, let me just say, I don't remember so many naked sports in the past. I haven't seen this much skin since my college days stumbling across a certain beach along the Willamette River. Athletes are always very easy on the eyes, but I must say I'm troubled by the "uniform" disparity between men's and women's beach volleyball. I don't care that the women play in bikinis but since they are, the men should have to play in Speedos. Equal opportunity ogling is what we're all about here at the Olympics.

While we're ogling, have you noticed what mutants some of these athletes are? The male swimmers are all giants with abnormally long torsos, and the members of the Chinese "women's" gymnastics team look like they should still be playing with dolls. The mens' lightweight skullers are all string beans while the weight lifters are sculpted like anatomy dolls. I've heard it said that biology is destiny and when I see these people, I can see the temptation to think that. I know I'm certainly built for swimming much more than running, but sitting on the couch watching international athletes is really what I'm best at. In fact, the commercial is over so I gotta go.