The Summer Olympics Are Here But With No Fans And Some Athletes’ Attitudes, Are You Into It?
I love the Olympics.
But not this year.
I just can’t get into it. One reason is that the host country doesn’t even want the Games to take place and if they are not really even wanting them then how do they expect anyone else to be excited?
Another factor is that there will be no fans at any of the events (any spectators you will see are VIPs and who cares about them, right!?). A big – make that a huge – part of the Games are all the cheering people. Olympic fans are the best in the word, for they cheer great performances no matter the country of the athlete.
And, well, if an athlete from the host country is in contention for a medal, they go off the hook, often willing that person to heights he or she could never achieve on their own.I feel bad for the athletes who have prepared for their Olympic moment and have no one they can see or hear to cheer for them.
I also find it hard to get into some of the major sports whose professional leagues have provided the athletes. Sure, the Dream Team was fun to watch its first couple of times but now what’s the difference in Team USA’s basketball games as opposed to an NBA regular-season game? Not much.
And some pros don’t even want to play in the Olympics. It cuts into their summertime party schedule (and hey, they should see what a great party scene it is at the Games!)
Maybe surfing will get my attention but frankly, if you’re ever seen a surfing event on TV or even in person it’s not very exciting. The best thing that can be said about surfing competitions is checking out the girls in bikinis on the beach when you’re at one. Can’t do that on TV and can’t even see any since there will be no spectators.
Same for beach volleyball.
Then there is all the disrespect for one’s country which is providing the athletes the opportunity to compete in the first place. In my opinion, anyone who chooses not to stand at attention on the podium when their national anthem is being played should not participate in the Games in the first place. Athletes have a plenty of platforms to voice their opinion on issues but the Olympics are the wrong stage for it.
Maybe my attitude will change once the Games start (they go from July 23-August 8). Perhaps NBC will show some lesser but fun-to-watch sports with athletes who will be thrilled to get the spotlight like boxing, badminton and table tennis (have you ever seen the high-speed action of those last two sports!?).
I enjoy swimming after having been part of the PR team for an U.S. Olympic Swim Trails event. I also have a great appreciation for water polo, both men’s and women’s competitors.
So I’ll tune into the Tokyo Games. But I likely won’t be glued to the TV or look plan ahead to watch an event. But maybe this is what the Olympic Games needs – something to wake up the officials, some of the athletes and the public to make it interesting again.
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