The 2008 Olympics

Regulus · 04-08-2008, 08:19 AM

(Post Deleted: I didn't mean To bring up Politics!)

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Patrick_S · 04-08-2008, 10:04 AM

I lost interest in the Olympics years ago but it's pretty clear that any discussion following the theme of your post would violate forum policy against political discussions.

Regulus · 04-08-2008, 10:45 AM

Oops! Sorry!

Chuck Anstey · 04-08-2008, 10:46 AM

Well the original Olympic participants suspended wars just to hold them. The origins of the Olympics are about as apolitical as you can get so your boycott would not be in line with the "Olympic spirit". Now I am not saying you are wrong for feeling the way you do or that you shouldn't do what you think is right. I am not about to defend modern Olympics as the Olympic committee is an incredibly corrupt and extremely political organization. I am just pointing out that the Olympics were created to transcend such issues.

KurtEP · 04-08-2008, 12:30 PM

I'm far more concerned with the history of really shoddy coverage of the games. I'd really like to see something more than women's gymnastics and swimming for the summer games, and ice dancing for the winter. Unfortunately, as someone who enjoys sports like boxing, weightlifting and wrestling (all obviously very popular and mainstream these days), I'm usually frustrated with the coverage.

Ockeghem · 04-08-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KurtEP

I'm far more concerned with the history of really shoddy coverage of the games. I'd really like to see something more than women's gymnastics and swimming for the summer games, and ice dancing for the winter. Unfortunately, as someone who enjoys sports like boxing, weightlifting and wrestling (all obviously very popular and mainstream these days), I'm usually frustrated with the coverage.

Those are some good points, although I like all of the sports that you mentioned. During one of the recent Olympics (one that occurred prior to 2003) I had to view (due to 'local-local' cabeling requirements) the events on an alternative channel. Although I missed the major events (like those mentioned above), I found myself enjoying some of the less-shown events such as archery and curling. I never knew how interesting curling could be. It was a lot of fun watching the strategy of that event. That was the bright side of what came out of not having access to the primary channel for the Olympics at that time.

Jason Seaver · 04-08-2008, 01:04 PM

One thing that's really frustrating to hear every Olympic year is that the CBC does a pretty good job of showing events live and uncut, even when the games are in a far-off time zone (as is the case here), whereas NBC shows a lot of (American) athlete profiles, tape-delays everything, and basically does everything they can to make it into a pre-scripted program.

Malcolm R · 04-08-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Seaver

One thing that's really frustrating to hear every Olympic year is that the CBC does a pretty good job of showing events live and uncut, even when the games are in a far-off time zone (as is the case here), whereas NBC shows a lot of (American) athlete profiles, tape-delays everything, and basically does everything they can to make it into a pre-scripted program.

Yep, that's why when I watch the Olympics, I watch CBC coverage. I actually get to see the GAMES. Not a never-ending avalanche of athlete profiles and saccharine fluff pieces that have nothing to do with the competition itself.

Put their life stories on the web so people can look them up if they're interested. Spend your prime-time hours showing actual competition.

Josh Dial · 04-08-2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Seaver

One thing that's really frustrating to hear every Olympic year is that the CBC does a pretty good job of showing events live and uncut, even when the games are in a far-off time zone (as is the case here), whereas NBC shows a lot of (American) athlete profiles, tape-delays everything, and basically does everything they can to make it into a pre-scripted program.

Agreed. You really can't beat CBC, or to a less-extent, CTV and TSN for Olympic coverage.

Jerome Grate · 04-09-2008, 08:31 AM

I lost interest years ago when they started using professional athletes to compete. It was great to see AAA competitors win their events and then get recruited professionally. That was great to watch then, but now, I don't want to see pro athletes compete in games during their off seasons or on a break from their current season to compete.

Walter C · 04-09-2008, 11:02 AM

The constant commercial breaks, and being so damn long, makes it very difficult to watch the Games on TV. (I know why they do it, I'm just saying it's annoying.)

That said, I still love watching the Olympics, and will be glued to the TV during that time.

Kevin Hewell · 04-09-2008, 02:06 PM

I don't have a problem with professional athletes in the Games. They competed in the ancient games.

Jerome Grate · 04-09-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Hewell

I don't have a problem with professional athletes in the Games. They competed in the ancient games.

True..., I guess for me it's the whole commerical aspect of using professional athletes in an area that use to be dedicated to hard working individuals who worked regular jobs and trained for the Olympics. I even recall some of the athletes receiving funds from local businesses so that they wouldn't have to work and spend time training. Too me that's true competition. Professional sport is competitive also but not the same for me.