The Olympics
Jul. 30th, 2012 11:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lupestripeI am really enjoying the Olympics so far but then I guess that was always going to be a given. The sheer variety of sports on offer is incredible and the BBC's in-depth coverage is second-to-none. Granted, they could improve their commentating a bit but this is a general criticism of the Beeb so it's hardly surprising that they have maintained the status quo for this event either. And for all-round dedication, you can't fault them.
Shep Shepherd and Taneli were here this weekend and we ended up drinking beer, eating snacks and watching the sporting drama unfold. Cycling, judo (which I admit I don't understand at all), hockey, basketball, boxing, rowing, gymnastics, swimming, it was all highly addictive and I must have watched around 30 hours of action already, although as this pertains to my job too, this is hardly surprising. The archery was the highlight for us, with the Italian team made up of pizza salesmen beating the cocky American team by scoring a 10 with the final arrow. True sporting prowess and the holding of strong nerve in a moment of intense pressure, it was a joy to watch. The making of dreams, the shattering of hopes - this is what sport is all about and it's one of the main reasons why I love it.
I didn't catch the start of the opening ceremony on Friday evening as I was out in Bradford having a curry, but it seems to have silenced many of the doubters and naysayers. I caught the final hour or so and admit the lighting of the cauldron was truly wonderous. It was a fantastic testament to the possibility of global unity and sent out an extremely strong message about the spirit of humanity when it is channelled in the right way. The people reading politics into proceedings were intensely annoying though and it was sad to see the cynics from a particularly vitriolic right-wing newspaper lambasting what appeared to be a poignant, humorous and well-executed show. Furthermore, I found the "we handed Beijing's ass on a plate" type comments from some rather distasteful, a display of petty nationalism with which I am extremely uncomfortable.
There does seem to be a refreshing feeling of positivity across the country right now, despite the strong feelings of antipathy and negativity which were prevailent last week. Thursday was an intense day of moaning, particularly in the press, which made me feel that there were some sections of the media who wanted the Games to fail. I don't deny there are many faults with the IOC, the logistics of the Games and the fact that it is London which will benefit AGAIN when other cities could have done with the investment, while I also accept there are many people who dislike all the attention being fostered on the event, but for two weeks, it would be great if the country could come together and unite behind a cause instead of being so disperate and fractured as is usually the case. Furthermore, it would be great if we could forget the cynicism and negativity which persists here so much, just for a fortnight, and enjoy ourselves. This is one of the things which really frustrates me about living here as I have the sort of character where these things rub off on me. It shouldn't, but it does. And I don't really like myself when I'm bitter and cynical.
I will be going down to the Olympics this weekend, a five day trip to London is on the cards to catch four events. I am glad I booked tickets all those months ago but do wish I had been more bold in my selections as I yearn to see far more than what I have got tickets to see. Seeing four events does make me one of the lucky ones though, I know that. Before the Olympics started, I was excited but since they began, I have been stoked beyond the point of delirium. I haven't felt like this for a long time which is why, for me, the next fortnight is going to be rather excellent. Even my sense of patriotism has returned. I'm hardly the biggest supporter of this country but it was great seeing Lizzie Armitstead win Britain's first medal, being a Yorkshire lass and all, and I hope the local athletes can contribute successfully to the national cause.
And even if they don't, a win for China is a win for Leeds as the Chinese squad is based here. I frequently see the athletes wandering down Briggate, looking somewhat bemused by our brusque Yorkshire ways. I hope they do well too, if only for a slight bit of reflected glory. Yorkshire for the win!!
Shep Shepherd and Taneli were here this weekend and we ended up drinking beer, eating snacks and watching the sporting drama unfold. Cycling, judo (which I admit I don't understand at all), hockey, basketball, boxing, rowing, gymnastics, swimming, it was all highly addictive and I must have watched around 30 hours of action already, although as this pertains to my job too, this is hardly surprising. The archery was the highlight for us, with the Italian team made up of pizza salesmen beating the cocky American team by scoring a 10 with the final arrow. True sporting prowess and the holding of strong nerve in a moment of intense pressure, it was a joy to watch. The making of dreams, the shattering of hopes - this is what sport is all about and it's one of the main reasons why I love it.
I didn't catch the start of the opening ceremony on Friday evening as I was out in Bradford having a curry, but it seems to have silenced many of the doubters and naysayers. I caught the final hour or so and admit the lighting of the cauldron was truly wonderous. It was a fantastic testament to the possibility of global unity and sent out an extremely strong message about the spirit of humanity when it is channelled in the right way. The people reading politics into proceedings were intensely annoying though and it was sad to see the cynics from a particularly vitriolic right-wing newspaper lambasting what appeared to be a poignant, humorous and well-executed show. Furthermore, I found the "we handed Beijing's ass on a plate" type comments from some rather distasteful, a display of petty nationalism with which I am extremely uncomfortable.
There does seem to be a refreshing feeling of positivity across the country right now, despite the strong feelings of antipathy and negativity which were prevailent last week. Thursday was an intense day of moaning, particularly in the press, which made me feel that there were some sections of the media who wanted the Games to fail. I don't deny there are many faults with the IOC, the logistics of the Games and the fact that it is London which will benefit AGAIN when other cities could have done with the investment, while I also accept there are many people who dislike all the attention being fostered on the event, but for two weeks, it would be great if the country could come together and unite behind a cause instead of being so disperate and fractured as is usually the case. Furthermore, it would be great if we could forget the cynicism and negativity which persists here so much, just for a fortnight, and enjoy ourselves. This is one of the things which really frustrates me about living here as I have the sort of character where these things rub off on me. It shouldn't, but it does. And I don't really like myself when I'm bitter and cynical.
I will be going down to the Olympics this weekend, a five day trip to London is on the cards to catch four events. I am glad I booked tickets all those months ago but do wish I had been more bold in my selections as I yearn to see far more than what I have got tickets to see. Seeing four events does make me one of the lucky ones though, I know that. Before the Olympics started, I was excited but since they began, I have been stoked beyond the point of delirium. I haven't felt like this for a long time which is why, for me, the next fortnight is going to be rather excellent. Even my sense of patriotism has returned. I'm hardly the biggest supporter of this country but it was great seeing Lizzie Armitstead win Britain's first medal, being a Yorkshire lass and all, and I hope the local athletes can contribute successfully to the national cause.
And even if they don't, a win for China is a win for Leeds as the Chinese squad is based here. I frequently see the athletes wandering down Briggate, looking somewhat bemused by our brusque Yorkshire ways. I hope they do well too, if only for a slight bit of reflected glory. Yorkshire for the win!!
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no subject
Date: 2012-07-31 10:07 am (UTC)But anyway it is time to put that all to bed now and focus on the sport and team GB's performance which thus far has been patchy to good. Some hyped up people blowing out while others doing well. A bulk of Golds and silvers should come in today and the next few days as things like the rowing come to a close, or like the velodrome start.
Yes the ticketing issue as well is very much in the news after the publicity surrounding how it was done originally, and yes I know that there are many reasons as to why there are apparently so many empty seats, at least they are opening up some to the public now. Hopefully they will also get this sorted for the Paralympics as well since it never gets the attention that the main able bodied event has (and often we win more golds in that too). Also final thought on the ticketing situation is that it's been a bit easy to forget that there are some events that you can (or could have) see for free (well mostly) like the cycling road races, and both marathons.
As I said on twitter, I will be taking a trip on a whim down to London to view the Women's Marathon on Sunday. If you want to meet up for the event or after let me know!
no subject
Date: 2012-08-02 08:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-08-02 12:58 pm (UTC)I'll send you a text on the train down.
no subject
Date: 2012-08-02 07:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-08-02 08:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-08-02 08:31 am (UTC)