So I’ve pretty much spent every waking moment since Friday immersed in Olympic mania. I adore the Olympics.
It’s something about the purity of the competition, athletes that train constantly for an event that only happens every four years. The pride, the patriotism.
It makes me believe that if only I had stuck with my competitive swimming on the Westador Ducks swim team throughout elementary school that I could have been a contender.
Unfortunately I got tired of riding my bicycle the six blocks it took to get to the pool and, thus, ended my Olympic hopes.
However, I believe I have mentioned once or twenty times before that I was a UIL typist in 9th grade which was kind of like being an Olympic athlete except for the fact that I wasn’t a world class athlete, but rather a fourteen year old who typed more words per minute than twenty other freshmen in high school.
It was quite the accomplishment.
I was also a Mathlete.
Not really, but I like the term Mathlete. The real story is that it took me two attempts to pass Algebra II and even then I think I only earned a passing grade through the time-honored tradition of bribing your teacher with fresh donuts each morning.
Anyway, as I watch the Olympics, I’ve had a few burning questions and/or concerns.
1. Synchronized men’s diving. Thoughts? I mean I get the diving part, but who thought up the synchronized thing? It seems a little contrived.
Hey! You know what could make this dive even better? If we did it at the SAME TIME.
It has incredible potential as the premise for a Will Ferrell movie.
If your brother, nephew, or third cousin twice removed is a synchronized men’s diver, I don’t mean to offend. I’m just curious.
2. Female Chinese gymnasts. If some of those girls are sixteen years old, I’ll eat my hat.
3. Michael Phelps. I thought maybe I had a small crush on him, but realized I am getting old because my feelings are more along the lines of “Oh, he seems like such a nice boy and he loves his mama.”
But the burning question in my mind is what is he listening to on his iPod before races? Rumor has it that it’s Eminem or Young Jeezy.
See how I just threw Young Jeezy out there like I totally know who that is?
No idea.
If it were me (and I were back in the thick of the UIL typing competition) I know what I’d be listening to, a little “Bootylicious” by Beyonce and “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson.
It’s no wonder I was an award-winning typist.
So what would be on your iPod?
Please discuss all these (and any other) Olympic topics in the comments.
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I hope your hat is delish. and yes, mathlete is a wonderful word. I’m a bathlete.
Eye of the Tiger would be on my iPod.
I haven’t seen anything, and I am starting to feel left out.
And, yes, you may be a tad too old for Michael Phelps.
Hey Melanie, a fellow Mathlete here. I was thinking the same thing last night about the Chinese gymnasts. We are addicted here also and TIVO has changed our Olympic viewing forever! I couldn’t imagine watching them without it!
It’s funny how I’m a swimming/gymnastics/rowing/whatever-other-sport-is-on-the-Olympics fan, once every four years! I’ll help you with the hat, NO WAY are those girls 16.
Right now my iPod has a playlist comprised of all the new songs I heard on this season’s So You Think You Can Dance. From Duffy to The Vitamin Quartet to Chris Brown. Anyone listening would think I’m a little nutty.
Don’t get me started on the diving. The subjective scoring by the judges forced me to turn it off. Some no name team comes up and gets way less points than the famous Chinese divers who were WAY out of synch. Irritating.
I personally am glad to see that the USA Woman’s gymnastic team has done away with the hair glitter and poor make-up choices this year. Did the International Gymnastics Association make some ruling twenty years ago that all gymnasts must use blue eyeshadow and excessive amounts of glitter gel?
Despite the fact that the majority of our girls were wearing white scrunchies and excessive amounts of hair clips (I believe you addressed this earlier in the week), I was happy with their normal make-up and hair color.
I seriously stress every time Michael P. wears his swimsuit that are pants only…those things are low and I fear a wardrobe malfunction at any moment.
I am with you on the Chinese gymnasts. Did you see Bella Karolyi’s tirade on that?
My ipod would have david crowder band. It is what I work out to…It is impossible to not get fired up while listening to it. The problem is it makes me want to sing aloud which is NOT a good thing (and in a pool would make me drown)
He said yesterday when interviewed that it was Lil Wayne. He said the name of the actual song, but I forget….
OK, I just need to make sure that everyone has seen or at least heard about this amazing story in the Washington Post about Lopez Lomong. I’ve missed a lot of the coverage so I don’t know how much they’ve talked about it, but I get tears in my eyes every time I think about it. What an amazing young man!
…And that is the extent of my knowledge of this Olympics. I am woefully busy that I haven’t been able to keep up with it.
I was wondering the same thing last night – what music IS he listening to!
…and no way are those girls 16 – they look like such babies. It is actually quite sad. Some of those girls were shipped off from the age of 3 to train and only were able to see their parents once a year. Could you imagine only seeing your child once a year? I wonder if it has anything to do with the parents disappointed they had a girl vs the coveted boy.
…and the excessive amounts of hair clippies. Of course my taste has changed, but as a child I wanted to be a gymnast SO I could wear hair clippies. My mom refused to let me wear them any other time! And now I totally see why!
Oh, the OLYMPICS! I am a TOTAL fanatic, and my poor children are starting to be very, very afraid. It might possibly be because I inadvertently slapped the top of my son’s head while cheering for the Michael Phelps relay team. But seriously! Did you see that finish??!!
As for music, definitely Eye of the Tiger or the Footloose soundtrack. I need a hero!!
Here is an interesting tid-bit I heard about Michael Phelps. He has to eat between 8,000 and 10,000 calories a day just to maintain his weight.
Who on earth spent the money to make the white water rafting river. Did you see it? A whole river made out of concrete. How do you know even how to do that.
Who paid to have all these things made. And what country could we have feed all their people doing it? I mean world hunger could have ended right before the games
These would be my selections:
If I were a Gymnast: Upside down by Diana Ross (Upside down, Boy, you turn me Inside out And round and round)
If I were a Diver:
Free fallin’ by Tom Petty
If I were a Swimmer:
Splish Splash – Bobby Darin
It’s Getting’ Hot in Here – Nelly
We had the exact same conversation about synchronized diving last night…and the night before…and every time it’s been on in the past week. It’s the conversation we have about curling during the winter Olympics too.
And, yet, as weird as we think it is, we can’t NOT watch it. And now we make all sorts of comments about the speed of rotation and reaching vertical like we totally know what we’re talking about.
Luckily our children are young enough that when they ask a question and we make up an answer, they believe us without question.
The synchronized swimming angers my husband for some reason. It is hilarious to hear him go into a rant about that particular sport. I almost think he tried out for the team years ago and didn’t make it and is holding a grudge.
And Michael Phelps? Yummy. BUT I adore how he always tries to find his mom and sisters in the stands as soon as he gets out of the pool. Makes my heart happy.
What is up with the divers taking a shower EVERY time they get out of the pool?
ive thought about writing to you since you posted a picture of yourself wearing the exact same shirt (long sleeve guess, denim blue and cream vertical stripes i think) and exact same hair (long, big, dark) from high school but feared you’d think i was a crazy stalker person (boo and i have had the same discussion). but when you mentioned that your two tries at algebra 2 i wondered if my ambien has me posting under your name. i took it as a senior (rest of the class were sophs/juniors and had a TUTOR so that i could make a D TO GRADUATE. my parents PAID for someone to help me barely pass. i am very confident that mrs. moore just wanted me gone and passed me on the final exam.
i’m glad i’m not alone in the world.
I had the exact same thought last night while watching the synchronized diving. My husband was irritated that I was questioning the validity of the “sport” I can understand diving, but the two people diving together does seem like they just needed to make something up to fill time.
“Jump Around” by House of Pain
I’m no good in math either.
My thoughts exactly about the Chinese gymnasts. I wonder why they can’t disqualify such obvious “breaking of the rules”. Don’t they have a quick DNA test that will prove the allegations? Or a urine test for age? Just kidding. But seriously, if they disqualify for drug use or for stepping over the line before the buzzer sounds, why can’t they call this flagrant cheating. That’s not to say that these little girls aren’t the best in the world. Oh. I have another suggestion. That floor exercise mat needs to be larger. By the time our long-limbed sixteen year olds finish a tumbling pass they are over it. They adjust the bars for the little ones. What’s fair for one should be fair for all. Make the little ones fly to reach or lengthen the floor! That will be my new motto. Hey. I think I’ll make this a blog entry. It’s getting tooo long.
Sorry,
From a frequent lurker who loves the way you write.
I’m with you on the Chinese girls…can’t be a day older than 12 years old. How sad, seems like there would be a better way than just verifying their passport…like as if a government official can’t falsify a record or two when needed. Also, what is up with the judges taking a sweet forever to give a score? Is it just me or is that crazy?
As far as Michael Phelps is concerned, whatever he’s listening to is working…just keep it up. And he is incredibly fun to watch. I think it’s amazing that his mom put him in swimming lessons just b/c he was so active w/ ADHD. Imagine what the world would have missed out had she not done that! As for what I’d be listening to, probably nothing b/c I’m the one and only American citizen left that doesn’t own an iPod.
After we caught a few minutes of synchronized diving, my husband would now like to see more synchronized events such as golfing and basketball dunking. He feels sad for sports like men’s basketball because they can only earn one medal in comparison with Michael Phelps who can earn up to approximately 45. Adding synchronized basketball might help them feel better. I agree. Who wouldn’t want more synchronized events?
Great post! I was not a Mathlete, but I did win first place in UIL Maps, Charts, and Graphs in the 7th Grade! Pie Charts are shaking right now with the knowledge of my prowess.
Also got a gold medal in academic decathlon, but it was a team effort…
I love iPod posts – see my workout iPod post here: http://key-of-s.typepad.com/life_in_the_key_of_s/2008/08/ipod-workout-tu.html
I’ve got some great tunes on there!
Last night was the first night I’ve had to watch the olympics, and I LOVED it! The poor sweet girl that fell off the beam broke my heart. She looked so sad. I wanted to reach into the screen and hug her! Am I a mama or what?! (I’d like to interject that I’m still not old enough to be HER mama!
)
My hubs says those girls can’t be more than 12 on that gymnastics team. I told him about the mismatched ponytail holders and he looked at me a rolled his eyes!
The nerve!
Anyway, I was also wondering what was on Michael Phelp’s Ipod! How old is he anyway? I’d say he’s crush material
! Especially when he does those three arm flaps when he steps on the starting block~ impressive!
I have to say that I TRIPLE LOVE watching the olympic swimming. I noticed the iPod too and thought the same thing.
Right now I’m training for the Breast Cancer 3-day and though they say “don’t train with an iPod because you can’t have it on the walk” let’s face it. Walking 15 miles on a Sunday by yourself can get mighty boring. So…my iPod is LOADED!
Here’s what I’ve got: Mercy Me (seriously!), Rhianna, Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Angles & Airwaves, Barenaked Ladies, Erasure, Robyn, New Kids on the Block (still love them!), Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Dazy Head Mazy, etc. etc. etc.
IT’S KILLING ME TO KNOW WHAT IT ON THAT IPOD OF HIS!! WHY AREN’T THE REPORTERS TELLING US THAT!?? Every time I see that boy with that white laniard around his neck I wanna know, WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO MICHEAL!! AMERICA WANTS TO KNOW!
Somebody better tell me soon or I may have a petite coronary.
The end.
(The showers are to prevent “swimmer’s itch” enough said.) If you have a little boy, you would know too well.
Anyway, I have no TiVo so I have been clocking some late hours to watch the swimming and gymnastics. The synchro diving seems a little bit weird to me, if it were couples diving, I could get it.. a little dance on the platform and then some sweet little dive together. On second thought, nope, it’s just weird all around.
Impressive with the typing. I could be an Olympic talker. I am wicked fast when my bestfriend and I are in a hurry and have to get the details out quick. I am gold medal material, trust me!
I just asked my husband the other night what he thought was on Michael’s ipod. Why has Matt Lauer not jumped on this story? Bob Costas? SOMEONE. Get to it.
When I actually go for a walk I vary what I listen to, but I love Cold War Kids, U2 and David Crowder.
I am totally crushing on MP. I have Phelps Phever. I’m a phan. A phanatic. Ok, not that bad, but I do love to catch him swimming, and it’s possible I’ve been talking to the tv.
I can totally see this as a Will Ferrell movie. Too funny. And I think he’d break out his rubber ducky and bathtub paint for the post-dive shower.
As for my high school “iPod”, well it would actually have been a Sony Walkman, back in the day, I’m thinking it would have had “Eye of the Tiger” and “My Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades”. I’m so very cool.
I wasn’t a mathlete but I really DID win a trophy for being a Literature Champion at a Brain Bashers Tournament in school. Everybody was sooooo jealous! Not!
LOL
1. Synchronized Men’s Diving – (and women’s for that matter) This sport absolutely astounds me. I can’t imagine getting my technique down so fully that I could do the dive at the exact same time as another human being. It really does take A LOT of athleticism. I love watching it. (I’m also a huge dork.)
2. Chinese female gymnasts – I agree…if those girls are sixteen of anything, they are sixteen months. ‘Nuff said
3. Michael Phelps – Very impressive. I’m just so proud of Jason Lezak for swimming the CRAP out of that last leg of the relay. Way to go, Lezak!
4. My iPod – Depending on the type of competition it would either be something incredibly inspiring like Whitney Houston’s “Moment in Time” or something with a driving beat like Kanye West’s “Stronger”.
This was a fun interactive post! Thanks!
Thanks for ripping the top off of the men’s synchronized diving topic. Honestly? It totally creeps me out. I have to say that I’ve watched and enjoyed more than a few Esther Williams movies of yore – I’m all about women’s synchronized swimming. But the men’s? Yikes.
We are loving the Olympics in our house too…..and we have become Phelps Phans! There is nothing that boy cannot do. Why haven’t we seen any other teams in gymnastics…why just US and CHina? Where are the Russians and the Ukrainians? We watched a kayaking competition yesterday…the realm of Olympic sports astounds me. Still….look what they’re doing and look what I’m doing…..
Yes, I love the Olympics. It makes me proud to live in America. It also makes me feel like standing up and singing Lee Greenwoods, “I’m Proud to be an American”.
What’s on the ipod? Let’s see…the latest This American Life podcast, the latest Fresh Air podcast (I’m so curious what Terry Gross looks like!) Then there’s Coldplay, Cornershop, Chris Tomlin, Chris Rice, Colbie Caillet, Counting Crows, Carl Douglas and that’s just a few of the artists beginning with C! Take care, Julie
I too keep thinking Michael Phelp’s swimsuit is going to fall off. So glad I am not the only one thinking that. Did you know that those little Chinese gymnasts are basically plucked from daycares and schools at the age of 3 to begin gymanastics and start training?
Also, did you know that the Chinese went through “etiquette” training for the last two years to prepare for the Olympics. Basically, they were told things not to do while people are visiting the country. Like no spitting in the streets, don’t cut in line, etc.
Ok so I’m totally needing some serious coffee from staying up late last night to watch women’s (girls?) gymnastics. I was teary when Alicia Sacramone fell off the beam and then fell on her floor exercise. Dang. So, on my ipod (I confess I don’t even have one!) BUT if I did, I would listen to Anything by the B-52′s and on another totally different genre, anything Metallica or Limp Biskit. Yes, I said it. Sorry, but they get me sortof worked up – maybe that’s why I don’t listen to them anymore.
I know you’ll post the minute you do find out what MP is listening to.
Oh, and I see a scandal arising soon about the age of the Chinese gymnists. I just see it…….
the ipod? Madonna and Justin’s 4 Minutes. Then maybe some Rhythm Nation, because that was cool when I was 13. Which is old for a Chinese gymnast.
The gymnasts have some painful looking hairdos.
I felt the same about Michael Phelps. I was thinking crush, then when I realized I DIDN’T want the low riding suit to fall off, I felt really old.
Great post.
My girls went to gymnastics camp last week so they are aspiring to be Olympians. (The girl who owns the gym used to train with the Karolyis, so the Olympics was discussed a lot.) I would not tell my girls that their dreams are far off since they have yet to master a cartwheel and constantly complain of the heat!
Btw, I always had to be tutored in Math. I passed geometry by buying Mary Kay make-up from Mrs. Noone, ring a bell?
My wife asked last night, after the 800 free relay, if I could have been a Olympic swimmer. I was fast, sure, but not even close to those speeds. And for all those worried about the suits: They stay on. They’re wicked tight.
I never really listened to music before races. So, I’m boring. Sorry.
I thought was a Mathlete too, but then I got a B in calculus and gave up. Now I don’t even get half of the XKCD comics. Ah well. I’m getting old [smile].
~Luke
“According to the Associated Press, Phelps was listening to Eminem’s “‘Till I Collapse” just before his race.”
So there’s at least one song we know that he’s listening to. But someone with some marketing prowess needs to realize if they publicized his playlist — it would be an instant iTunes hit, with the mix going instant platinum quicker than he can swim the 200 fly.
My only concern with the synchronized diving was how low the men’s speedos were. My husband commented, “I’ve certainly never worn anything that small in my life.” I was seriously concerned something was gonna pop out of those upon them hitting the water from 30+ feet in the air. I’ve lost my swimsuit a million times diving in… how do their’s not fall down? Seriously.
And I’m totally joining you on chowing some hat… there is no WAY they are 16. In fact the AP and NY Times found proof they are not, but the IOC washed its hands of it, so apparently its over and done with even though every one knows they cheated. I heard on NPR this morning that the avg. weight of the Chinese girls team was 77 lbs. The U.S. team averages 106. That’s 30 lbs. difference. Wow.
First of all, you must have “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen as an athlete, I think.
On a sidenote, my 3-year old was watching the men’s synchronized diving and yelled out “Look at those silly boys in their underwear!”
And THAT, my friends, that I think sums up mens synchronized diving.
Oops. “Till I collapse” was apparently what Phelps listened to in 2004. Now it’s Young Jeezy.
http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2008/08/what-michael-phelps-is-listeni.html
The only event I have watched so far IS the synchronized diving. The only thing I didn’t understand was the difficulty factors. I thought they should be higher. Would it not only be impossible for me to manuever like those fellas, but at the SAME time as my parter– neva.
I did enjoy it, though.
The only reason I even knew who Micheal Phelps was, is due to the AT&T commercial.
My iPod would play the following:
Eminem
Fergy/Black Eye Peas
Enru’s– “Calabria 2007″
Sean Paul’s “Temperature”
And a various assortment from the ’80s.
The first time they did synchronized diving was the 2000 Olymics. It was on the TV when I was giving birth to my daughter. The sound was off, but I remember just staring at the TV wondering what in the world would make a man want to compete in that sport. So, sychronized diving has a special place in my heart!
I have to say, since you brought up the whole “mathlete” thing; when I was a sophomore in high school, I was voted president of the math club. PRESIDENT! It’s important to note here that I was TERRIBLE in math and had NEVER been to a math club meeting. Didn’t know there was one until I was voted their president.
I did resign, by the way. I had integrity like that. Ok, not really so much as I had a reputation to think about.
My vote for the Phelps Ipod would be “Eye of the Tiger.” It inspires me and gets me going. Sometimes when I need that little extra something to get me through the day with all 58 of my children, I just start chanting, “eye of the tiger…eye of the tiger…”
Back in my basketball days, we had this whole dramatic entry into the court that we’d do to Janet Jackson’s “Control.” It undoubtedly wowed all 5 of the fans in the bleachers. But I’m thinking Phelps probably doesn’t know Ms. Jackson the way I do. Because he’s so stinkin’ young. And why listen to Ms. Jackson when you can totally pump up to–what was it–Jeezy?
This is so cruel, because I’m still so very young and hip in my mind.
I would probably embarass myself if I listed what is on my ipod = I’m such an old lady when it comes to tunes. But, I wonder the same thing about Michael Phelp’s tunes. My husband told me to quit saying “I wonder what he’s listening to”. ha! And, don’t you just love how he scans the crowd for his mom during each medal ceremony. Did you catch the show this weekend where they said he was diagnosed as ADHD at age 11 and teased because of his big ears? Such an inspiration. I just tear up every time I see him win.
Why does my tv say I’m watching Phelps live, but my girlfriend on the east coast is watching the medal ceremony? If it’s not really live, don’t say so. And quit reminding me that it is the next day in China – I got it – you making me feel like there is no time to sleep – people in China are already up and winning gold medals – you lazy bum – get off your butt and go for the gold in floor mopping and tub scrubbing!
I’m a Phelps Phan!!!
I’m thinking about finding a coach for my 3 year old son, so he can be the next Phelps!! Too much? Too soon?
I think “Stonger” by Kanye West would be what I would listen to right before I break another world record…..with my eyes closed, and my hands tied behind my back. That guy is A-MAZING!
Soemone asked MP what was on his Ipod and he said Little Wayne or maybe that’s ‘lil wayne. not sure who that is.
We were watching last night and Money Maker (the hubs) said “I feel a little more masculine watching the female synch divers than I did watching the men.” He then went on to wonder how one decides that he will be a synch diver.
I have a 4 year old from China. NO WAY a couple of those girls are 16. NO. WAY. I will say that my 4 year old has like 2% body fat. She is a genetic freak of nature in the muscle dept. The child has a 6 pack. We often comment that she would be in one of those gymnast factory gyms if she was still in China. Of course my younger child who was a biological freak of nature as in “you will never get pregnant” could not figure out why Mary Austin was all over the TV while watching the opening ceremonies.
1. What guy grows up thinking, “Someday, I am going to be a synchronized diver!”
2. Pass the hat, I’m starving!
3. I think that most people in America have a crush on Michael Phelps! But it is nice he always looks for his family.
*Best Olympic Quote: Last night MP’s goggles filled up with water and he said he couldn’t see during the race. Bob Costas said, “If you have ever wondered if he could do this with his eyes closed, apparently he can!”
My iPod would be filled with Billy Joel, Justin Timberlake (solo not NSYNC), Gwen Stefani, Jack Johnson, Duffy, Black Eyed Peas or Fergie.
I love reading your blog, it cracks me up everyday. Maybe now I’ll stop lurking and comment more often!
Can I just take a moment to say…”What is up with Canada?” No medals? Not even a bronze yet. I, as a Canadian, am disappointed. I suppose there is still some hope of one or two medals. Anyway, it matters not becuase my obsession with the Olympics is still strong. And of course if there is no Canadian in contention (which there pretty much isn’t) I must cheer for the USA, I mean, y’all are our neigbours so I must be neighbourly. So, good job on all the medals, USA athletes
I agree with you on the Chinese gymnasts. They all look about 12.
My comments on the awe-inspiring olympics must be confined to a few sentences, we are on vacation, and the beach is calling us, but the parents cannot tear themselves away from the four channels that are broadcasting the games. How sad is it for the softball team that this is their last games. They are just too good. And what is it with wrestling? Two men who head butt each other and hold hands. Hmm…well, happy games.
You are going to be eating lots of hats. I love Michael and watching him swim. It would take me a long time to find the perfect ipod mix if I was in the Olympics. There would be some Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Fergi and much more. It would be great if you interviewed Michael and found out for sure what he was listening to.
Joan Jett! Loud!
I would definitely be listening to bootylicious. and maybe some superchick.
It is hard enough trying to explain why two grown men would throw themselves off a platform to a four year old. Then try explaining why they’re naked.
My 5 year old thought he might be listening to “Head under water” which I thought was pretty sharp of her!
Did anyone else see the segment on panda fertility last night? That seemed massively inappropriate, especially when they got to the panda, um, “boy-meets-girl” films part.
I 100 percent agree with you about the Chinese gymnasts. There is one of them that is 10 if she’s a day!
I also thought Michael Phelps was cute during the last Olympics, but now all those totally hairless swimmers are kinda freaking me out.
They look a bit like necked mole rats. It’s a little creepy.
1) I don’t get synchronized diving either. Maybe it started with the whole “you jump, I jump” theory.
Maybe that’s a little too Titanic.
2) I’ll eat the hat with you.
3) Maybe he’s listening to the Thorpedo’s quote about not being able to break any world records. He mentions that ALL the time. He’s broken every record.
Maybe it’s Chariots of Fire. If I were an Olympian it would be that and Eye of the Tiger. I would need to get pumped up.
I would have a little of everything on mine. Josh Groban, Brad Paisley, Bon Jovi, and Sarah McLachlan.
(And I totally agree with you about the chinese gymnast thing. There is no way those girls are 16.)
I would have a little of everything on mine. Josh Groban, Brad Paisley, Bon Jovi, and Sarah McLachlan.
(And I totally agree with you about the chinese gymnast thing. There is no way those girls are 16.)
I realized I was getting old the other night, when I came to the conclusion that I connect more with the parents of the athletes than the athletes themselves. I don’t know why it still never ceases to surprise me that I’m not in my early twenties anymore.
And the synchronized men’s diving. What bothered me was my 5 year old giggling next to me and saying “They look funny, they’re almost naked! I’m glad Daddy doesn’t look funny like that.” Amen sister!
I have not slept since the morning of 08.08.08 because I have been up ’round the clock watching these games like it has some sort of bearing on my everyday existence. Oh, I love the Olympics!
No – those Chinese gymnasts are not 16 and I love the fact that EVERY SINGLE time Bela Karolyi begins to discuss this Bob Costas begins to cut him off. I think Bob just wants to make sure Bela gets out of China alive.
On my ipod would be…”Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley (that is the only Gnarls song I know – don’t judge); “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield; “One Moment in Time” by Whitney” and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.
Just one thought about men’s synchronized diving – Do they wax?
Now I feel a real kinship with you, because I too am a wicked fast typist! I think it may be my only talent that really impresses my kids.
As for my iPod, I must admit that “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls gets me motivated, whether I’m working out, cleaning house, or mortifying my husband with car karaoke. I also love “Perfect Day” from the Legally Blonde soundtrack (which…yes, I own).
he was listening to lil wayne’s song “i’m me” the other night.
Love the Olympics! We watched every evening – one of our 80+ year old nuns stayed up last night to watch the whole women’s gymastics competition!!! Awesome!
No need to eat that hat, because I heard Bela Karolyi say last night that the Chinese DEFINITELY have girls who are younger than 16. And, yes, their government issues their passports and therefore, FALSIFIES them! But it’s all “in the best interest of the country”, you see!
Now, I’d LOVE to hear your take on what I feel is the great tragedy of these games. The story of the little girls and the opening ceremony! The whole lip syncing debacle and the reason why! It BREAKS my Momma’s heart!
As for Phelps and the rest of the US men swimmers, YOU MAKE ME PROUD!! I, unfortunately, missed last night’s relay, but the 4 x 100m Freestyle relay was SPECTACULAR!! It was truly one for the books!
Here are my thoughts…there is no stinking way those Chinese girls are 16. Get real.
Why do the divers take a shower after they dive when they are going to do it again in about 5 minutes. Is chlorine really that dangerous?
I had to break down and admit to my hubbie that I have a crush on Michael Phelps. He was okay with it, considering I won’t be able to lust after him anymore in a week or so. I would be in heaven if only he were in a Speedo…
Love your site.
I am so tired…these olympics are killing me. Late nights are tough with such early mornings. But I LOVE IT!!!!!
Live in Oklahoma/work in Arkansas. So we’re neighbors…sort of.
I’m loving the Olympics. It’s neat to see it through my son’s eyes. Every day he wants to be something new because of what he watches. I like the inspiring stories in addition to the sports itself.
And I like the lowrider suits on the swimmers. I also wish the men’s volleyball players were just as undressed as the women.
Although my days of competitive typing have long since past.. I can still whip out 100 wpm on a moments notice
As for the Chinese..shame on them b/c they are full of BOLOGNA! There isnt a chance those girls are 16… although I agree the age limit eliminates a huge group of very competitive girls from the games in all countries.. rules are rules.
As for my IPOD, when I work out, I generally have on any variety of the Eagles to Metallica…
I too wondered what Michael Phelps was listening to. My husband is pretty sure that he’s listening to Rosetta Stone cd’s. May as well learn a little Chinese while you wait, no?
I watched the equestrian jumping yesterday–and found myself cheering against a certain country that rhymes with dance. So perhaps I shouldn’t watch them, if I’m going to be such a bad sport!
What UIL things did you compete in? I was there, too–we may have been at the same place, since we are the same age. Hmm.. I did some theatre, journalism and English competitions.
I love the Olympics too. What’s funny is this topic is what I wrote about on my blog today too.
We watched the diving last night and I’m wondering how do you change the speed of your dive to match your partner? I can’t even match the speed of other drivers when I’m on the interstate!!
Michael Phelps is a machine. Like that move where Robin Williams is the robot, and he is made to look more human as time goes on. Yeah, that’s him. My husband thinks that Michael’s mom should sell advertising to wear on her clothes, because the cameras are on her only about five seconds less than they are on him. I think it’s sweet.
As for the ipod, I don’t know, but when I see him listening to his music with his hood pulled up on his head, I picture Eminem in 8 mile, and I think Phelps needs to grab a mic and bust out with some “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow cuz opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo.”
I’m with the person above who does not own an ipod. Poor me. I own a much smaller knockoff with less memory, and only listen to it when I am relaxing in the bath, where no psyching up for physical activity is necessary.
They have said that the original birth records of the Chinese women proved that they were NOT old enough. But they also provided passports (what? they are in their own country) that prove that they are old enough. I’m just saying that when I was 16, I was entering my senior year of HS and I had ALL my adult teeth!! Just saying. The one that is missing her adult teeth is the youngest looking – I would say 12-13 at the most. They like them young, they are flexible, no fear gymnasts at that age. Marta Karolyi (sp) is having a fit. I think we all know that really they in fact are not old enough. This could be a scandal after the Olympics are over.
I have overloaded on Michael Phelps. His mom, however, is a hoot!! Let’s see someone and something else now k? How about the fencing, the weight lifting, the horse riding, the karate – anything but another race with Michael! Remember synchronized swimming – oh my how I loved that. Where is it?? I also love the rowing events – but have only seen two and those both were during the morning.
Good luck with your after Olympics withdrawal!! lol
Hugs,
Marie
I have been disturbed about the floor the gymnasts are tumbling on. When the American women kept stepping out of bounds during the qualifying rounds, I said then that something was wrong with the floor. Later, one of the commentators mentioned during the mens floor exercises that the men were having trouble adjusting to the floor because it was “stiffer” than they are used to. So, to me, as a mom of a cheerleader who takes tumbling classes on such a floor, that means that the girls are overcompensating and putting too much power into their tumbling runs which is causing them to step out of bounds or fall on their butts. And you can’t tell me that the Chinese girls tumbled on this floor for the first time when the Olympics started. I’m sure they practiced on it everyday once it was set up.
Also, I too think the Chinese women are younger than 16. I’ve heard some people say “How does that give them an advantage? They are still the best in the world despite their ages.” When young tumblers and gymnasts develope figures, everything becomes more difficult. They literally have more body mass to hurl through the air and more muscle weight to support on the bars and beam. By cheating and entering younger girls, they have an unfair advantage in this respect. I’ve watched many young tumblers and gymnasts at my daughter’s gym over the years. Believe me, the older the teen girls get the harder they have to work at it.
As for MP…. wow. If I were 20 years younger…
At the risk of over explaining my comment above… a gymnastics floor is a “spring” type floor, it isn’t just a floor mat like we used to do sommersaults on in p.e. When my daughter goes from the spring floor at her gym to a hard basketball floor, she feels like she has to put more power in her tumbling to do the same tricks and not land on her head. That’s what I think the women gymnasts are doing…. putting too much power into their tumbling to make up for the stiff floor.
I could be totally off base, but I think the Olympic Committee should investigate how this floor is constructed…. as well as investigating how old the Chinese women actually are.
Chinese girls are 12.
So so curious about the Ipod thing too…I can’t tell you whats on mine…good stuff…maybe some Maroon 5, Keith Urban…very hodge podge.
Thanks for the smile.
Being a 24 year old mom of one and one on the way who is constantly told by people that I don’t know that I am only 16 and an unwed mother, I feel very sorry for the Chinese girls who are being ragged on for looking young. Now, I’m not saying that China is definatly being honest, I read the story about the lip sync-er, but if the girls are indeed 16, I know how they feel. I was 16 when someone told me I was 12 and wanted to know if I should really be working at the store I had a job at. I was 22 when I was very pregnant with my daughter and got very, very mean looks at Target buying clothes. I was 24 when my husband and I went with my baby to buy a car and the salesman asked my husband if he was buying the car for his daughter (me, not the baby). So, if you Chinese athletes are indeed 16 and just look young, I feel for you. And when you are 50 and look 30, we can laugh at all the old looking people in our Senior Citizen group.
Yeah, the Olympics are ruining my bedtime. However, I have discovered that the Canadian channel shows some of the events a bit earlier than NBC (the whole “live for the East Coast” on NBC means I can watch it 3 hours earlier on CBC because they’re live for everyone).
Chinese girls… yeah, I’m thinking a few of them are 12-13… maybe.
I love watching the swimming. They do a lap in about 30-40 seconds. In that amount of time, I’d still be lucky to have gone 5 meters, let alone 50!
I think there are enough of us offering to eat your hat with you…should be about a bite a person. Ha!
I truthfully haven’t gotten to watch as much as I would have like this year. I’ll have to make more of an effort. I loved softball and baseball when I was younger…could have played this year in the final baseball year? ‘Cept for the slight gender issue, huh?
Oh, my ipod woud totally be rocking, Walkin’ on Sunshine and any techno remix of disco songs…yeah, I know unique, huh?
Phelps was listening to Li’l Wayne’s “I’m Me” on his ipod before the race that won him the 3rd gold. Pretty explicit content in the song, and if you ever see a picture of Lil Wayne he may scare you.
Here’s the link to the interview:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26174911#26152989
Yes, I feel like it is my patriotic duty to stay up until midnight every night watching Olympics. Can Michael Phelps really win gold in every race? Wow, Seems like it. I think he should be listening to SCC’s “Dive” on his ipod.
I have a crush on Phelps too. And as for the iPod, no idea what’s on his, but on mine? Well, I would maybe put Paint This Town Red by Delirious and then Heaven Is a Place on Earth because I love that song even though it would do nothing in terms of pumping me up to swim. Or run. Or whatever my Olympic sport would be.
I’m with ya on #2 and #3. Sigh
OK, I don’t like the Olympics.
There, I said it, please don’t think less of me.
Oh, and the best way to determine those little Chinese kids’ age would be dental checks, how many molars do they have?
And the Ipod? Hmmm, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Kenny Chesney, and best of all, Sawyer Brown. Which songs? All of them!
And Laura, Honey, I’m sorry you are treated so poorly because you look young. But at almost 32, 50 is NOT senior citizen!!
Oh, goody! I was starting to think I was one of the only bloggers obsessed with the Olympics. I posted about them the other day and got like 2 comments. I have purchased a TV antenna for the sole purpose of being able to watch. CAN. NOT. MISS. AN. EVENT…
When I was 16 I didn’t look 16 buit I still looked older than those 12 year old Chinese gymnasts, just saying.
Not so much on the synchro diving thing. I mean who really does that for the heck of it or for fun? No one besides a coach and someone who wants to go to the Olympics.
And in my iPod would be “I am Superman” by REM and “the Globe” by Big Audio Dynamite.
Ipod: well, you and your readers are waaaaaaaay too young to even know this song….Eli’s Coming by Three Dog Night was what I was listening to last night while working at the computer.
Then my hubby tapped me on the shoulder and told me that I looked like one of those bobble dogs that people used to have in the back window of their cars. Apparently I was keeping time with the beat ….
I’m with you – I don’t want to miss a minute of the Olympics. I also agree about the age of the Chinese gymnasts. Sixteen my foot! However, there is a small part of me that feels sorry for the pressure they are under to win. They look so small and vulnerable (not sorry enough to want them to win gold though).
Michael Phelps does look like a nice boy, and I love his Mom. I’m way older than you! I have wondered about the ipod too. I am going to disgust you by saying I’d listen to something classical and soothing. That would really get me up for the big race I’m sure!!
I have been totally enthrolled in the Olympics.
Michael Phelps has been amazing. I was thinking the same thing about what was he listening to on that IPOD.
USA totally dominated the swimming competitions.
The gymnist were amazing both the men’s and women’s teams. I will same China deserved the GOLD. I was thinking that some of those girls looked like they were 11 or 12.
Michael Phelps, you’re a hottie & all, but PLEASE PULL UP YOUR PANTS!!!! That has Wardrobe Malfunction all over it.
Ok – if I were competing at the olympics I would be listening to The Commodores’ “She’s a Brick House” on my iPod.
There would be no doubt as to whether or not I was over 16 and I would totally “stick the landing!”
My Olympics curiosity comes and goes throughout the years. I’ve yet to watch the current Olympics.
What I would listen to on my IPod…IF I HAD AN IPOD…hmmmm? Would that mean, then, as if I were in the Olympics back in the day? Or now? Then…oh, who am I kidding? AND NOW…would be a mix of the ’80′s…..and of course Praise and Worship greats…..Interesting mix???
I was thinking the same thing about those Chinese athletes last night. As I was sitting glued to my t.v watching intently. No way are those girls 16. Even when they cut top Belle Carolli( I can’t spell his name)said the same thing. No way.
There has been so many shading things going on these Olympics.
Like the little girl that lipped singed in the opening. Cause the real girl wasn’t pretty enough. Or how they yanked another athletes visas because he protested for Darfur.
They will do anything to put up an image and win.
Okay, I love the Olympics and I was not expecting to. I agree that the Chinese girls could not be 16. I love my country and was hoping the American girls would win gold, but at the same time, I was afraid for the Chinese team and what might happen to them if they lost.
Has anyone noticed or wondering why the women’s beach volleyball players wear less clothes than the swimmers do? I mean, yes, they have great bodies; but would you want to wear a semi-bikini on national TV in front of billions of viewers?? I must be really old because this bothers me!
I was just wondering the same thing last night…”what is he listening to on that ipod??”
If it was me, I’d have to have some Toby Mac. Maybe “Boomin’”, “The Slam”, or “Feelin’ So Fly” (that would be perfect for when getting ready to swim the “butterfly” – ha ha.)
Anyway, loving the Olympics. Those Chinese girls are babies…my 10 year old looks older than some of them. The US female gymnasts are breaking my heart. They’ve trained so hard to have it all kind of fall apart at the most crucial moment.
I always feel like I could get up and do those gymnastics. I know I can’t, but I like to close my eyes and pretend.
Hilarious post, Big Mama, & elevated by the many laugh-out-loud comments.
Thank you for validating the questions of so many about the synchronization issue – I raised this question early on with my sister & was made to feel unpatriotic for not being on board, so now I know I can speak my disdain of synchronized diving not only with pride but also the support of the masses.
My only Olympic regret at this point is giving up volleyball after 9th grade. But then again, the fact that wearing a bikini is a prerequisite for Olympic volleyball would most likely have derailed that dream anyway. *Sigh*
“Get Down Tonight” by KC and the Sunshine Band.
Those little Chinese gymnasts also weigh about 45 lbs each AND were taken from their homes at AGE 3!! Now I think that’s a crime. However, they are really good, amazing acrobatics uh…gymnastics, I mean. There’s something about their eyes that bother me though. A deep sadness. Maybe I have an overactive imagination…it’s the mother in me that heard they were chosen from pre-school at age 3 to be trained as professionals. I’m just sayin’….
Just wondering,,,,,is it really necessary to be practically nekked to 1.dive and 2. play beach volleyball (why don’t the men wear speedos)?
Like I said, just wondering.
No way are those Chinese girls 16! I heard a USA Today reporter on NPR this morning (and my radio didn’t explode at that contradiction!) say that there is proof (website trails, reporter research, etc.) that the girls are under age and that their passports are fake, but that the IOC is taking China at its word and won’t pursue an investigation of its own.
I have a full on cradle-robbing crush on Michael Phelps and I’m not ashamed to admit it!
Did anybody else catch the female synchronize diving commentator (Cynthia Potter?) point out the importance of synchronized divers training together??? Is it optional? As if they could train apart?
The Chinese ‘ladies’ are mere children!
Go Michael Phelps!
And isn’t it just fun to say “Libby Trickett”?
Does Michael Phelps really have to unzip his unitard/swimsuit THAT LOW when he’s on the sidelines? I’m very concerned that he’s going to show his pubies or hoo-ha to the entire global community.
And those are my very intellectual thoughts while watching the Olympics.
I love all the Olympic Talk!
Now that I am older though…I find that I cannot stay up as late every night!
I miss the days of gymnast Bart Conners.
Hope Nadia doesnt read this!
Now that is a guy I have a crush on…oops meant to say “had a crush on”!
Micca from Prov31 tagged me and now I tag you…check out the details on my blog.
Melanie- I’m watching the Women’s 200 Butterfly right now and there are two Chinese athletes (Liu/Jiao) who are 17 and 19 respectively.
Thing is… if I was technologically capable- I would get pictures of not only these two athletes but of the China gymnnasts that are “clearly 16 as of the olympic year as verified by their passports.” (Um sidenote- aren’t passports GOVERNMENT ISSUED?? We kid ourselves if we believe a country that makes fake fireworks and pigtailed 5 year old little girls lip sync are actually being honest about their athletes ages.)
Having the Chinese swimmers stand next to the Chinese gymnasts should clear up the age controversary. (Clearly the gymnasts are NOT 16)
However, being the incredibly smart American that I am… I’m not eagerly looking to prove that point as all it would really say is, “USA lost to a bunch of tiny 12 year olds!!”
We can live without that statement can’t we?
Update- Jaio and Liu just took Gold and Silver.
My fav. will always be the girls gymnastics. However, tonight before heading to bed, we caught the end of a men’s gymnastic performance… it was AWESOME! Then this conversation ensued:
Hubby: I could do that.
Me: No you couldn’t.
H: Well, maybe not that… but I could definitely lift myself up like THAT.
Me: Nuh-uh.
H: (defensive tone) Well, if I could do all that stuff then just shoot me, cause I’d be gay!
Me: Umm… ok.
I’d be listening to “Stronger” by Kanye West… horrible lyrics… great beat!
Laughing out loud, Hubby and I should be asleep right now, but we have to keep watching the Olympics! Hilarious about mens’ syncro diving, yes they don’t normally go in packs to the bathroom
I was on a jumprope demonstration team in elementary school, I don’t see that in the Olympics!
Once again you had me reading and laughing outloud. You didn’t want to ride your bike the six blocks??? Fast typist…mathlete…you crack me up! Thanks! Comments on the olympics…I don’t know…I just love them…even when other countries win. Just the idea that someone is that devoted to you know, “winning the race”…reminds me of our journey through life. I admire the athletes that I hope to be one in Heaven. I want to be a runner in Heaven or maybe an equestrian…or maybe just a gardener with no weeds… The olympics are the best of the best and I love it…oh, one question, “why must the women volleyball players wear so little clothing? Would shorts and a tshirt hinder their ability to move??? Just a wondering…
meant to say “I admire the athletes so much that I hope to be one in Heaven” thanks, I feel better now.
Yay Olympics!
Synchronized diving is really, really silly. And not just because the Chinese are so good at it.
The Chinese “women” are ridiculously young. And did anyone notice that the whole team was either 16 or 20? Funny how there is no one in between, who might have missed out on a previous Olympics because of age.
At least no one is going to wonder if MP is male or female… I’m real happy those new speedos make them swim faster and all, but am I the only one who finds it very disturbing that one cannot tell the male and female swimmers apart anymore?
And I’m telling you, those beach volleyball ladies must be amazingly secure to do what they do in a bikini. Is there some sort of super swimsuit glue that they use and I’ve just never heard about it? I think this ought to be addressed on Fashion Friday…
i love rock n’ roll – joan jett
all these things that i’ve done – the killers
One word in defense of the Chinese girls.
I haven’t seen them (because I live in Thailand and they deem gymnastics unworthy of coverage apparently. We get some swimming,diving, weight lifting and boxing. Wooohooo. What I really miss are the touching back stories, because my grasp of Thai is too lame to follow those.)….but Asians often look a lot younger than they are! Many 16 year olds here look a lot like 12 year olds. 
Not to say it couldn’t be true though.
And along with that other commenter- what’s with the synchronized showers following every single synchronized dive??
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yes, really nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all.
gilliancentis
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