It's Okay to Watch Gymnastics...This Week Only

The Olympics are here an it is the only time when sports like swimming, volleyball, and track & field are interesting. While some would ponder why a country with the track record of China should have been rewarded with the attention of the world, others would tell us to forget about Chinese treatment of Tibet, it's environmental record, the country's despicable human rights record, and why Taiwan is required to compete as Chinese Taipei without its national flag (what will there anthem be if they win gold?) and enjoy Michael Phelps and the return to dominance of US basketball. Phelps is the story, as the Golden Boy is now 3-3 in his quest to win 8 gold medals. This would be a pretty impressive athletic feat, kind of like the time I walked the bases loaded before subsequently striking out the side when I was 14. Some would say winning one Olympic medal would be impressive, thus Phelps is merely a show-off. The record for career gold medals is 9, which Phelps tied earlier this evening with 5 more races to go. If you missed the amazing finish in the men's 4 x 100 relay last night, go here and watch it.

For the take of a guy who remembers watching Tommie Smith and John Carlos in Mexico City in '68, go here.