2004 Athens Summer Olympics

TV coverage was sporadic this year. I was quite happy with the NBC's coverage for once. Once I turned a blind eye to their blatant patriotism, I was able to enjoy all their volleyball, both beach and hardcourt, coverage. I still don't understand why they don't broadcast enough events live. I know there is a 9 hour difference, but you'd think they would broadcast the premiere track & field event, the mens 100m sprint, live like CBC did. I remember last time around in Sydney, when CBC was showing the live gold medal match in tennis featuring American superstar Venus Williams, NBC was showing some cheesey dramatic peace on some weightlifter.

All the media covers how poorly we did, but did we really do that badly? Or was it just a case of high expectations? We did finish tied for 19th in the medal standings. Considering how few athletes we sent, did we sent enough support staff as well? Is that the main reason why those that were expected to medal didn't? With so many fourth place finishes, maybe they should hand out Copper medals in Vancouver 2010?

Are there too many sports and events being held? So many athletes and events get overlooked as there is only so much broadcasters can show. When a single swimmer can win more medals than 176 of the 202 participating countries, is it time to take a closer look how many swimming events are there? Just like figure skating was put to shame in Salt Lake, it's obvious that the judging in gymnastics need to be overhauled. Have it skip 2008 if it is unable to put its act together.

The Olympics do always provide some inspirational moments:

• Shotput being held in the original sacred Olympic grounds
• Wrestlers taking off and placing their shoes in the centre of the ring after completing their final match of their careers
• All the hugging after each and every point in women's beach volleyball

Can't wait for Turin's, Beijing's and Vancouver's turn, but all the pre-game negativity towards Athens should be erased with how everything went so well in the 2004 Summer Olympics. It is one of the smallest countries to ever host the games and after all the delays and the post-9/11 security concerns, they still pulled it off and deserve a hearty efharisto (thank you).

PS. Sorry it took awhile for this blog to be posted.