The Games in Beijing

[Rick336]

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China are finally underway. Last night (Friday) I watched the opening ceremonies for four and 1/2 hours and was blown away at the spectacular special effects at the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium. I think the lighting of the Olympic torch was probably the highlight of the evening.

Two years ago I was glued to the TV every night for two full weeks for the Winter Olympics. During the speed skating event I was cheering so loud for the American skaters that my cats ran and hid under the bed.

The Olympics are a great idea. Here's a time when the entire world comes together in one place to play games. And not only do the winners get medals, but they also get flowers tossed at them. And that's why in 2012 I'm going to try out for the high jump. Because hey.....free flowers!!!!

Rick

[tdogg]

I only saw bits and pieces of opening ceremony, but it was cool. Saw Michael Phelps win 2 of his golds, watched some badminton, synchronized diving and a little equestrian (they never televise that event much). One of our locals here (well in Southern CA now) won the first ever Olympic medal for an athlete from our area. She won silver in the individual eventing (equestrian). Oh, got to see some of the gymnastics too, and saw our guys won the men's team bronze!!!

Enjoying it all greatly.

[Rick336]

I only saw bits and pieces of opening ceremony, but it was cool. Saw Michael Phelps win 2 of his golds, watched some badminton, synchronized diving and a little equestrian (they never televise that event much). One of our locals here (well in Southern CA now) won the first ever Olympic medal for an athlete from our area. She won silver in the individual eventing (equestrian). Oh, got to see some of the gymnastics too, and saw our guys won the men's team bronze!!!

Enjoying it all greatly.

Michael Phelps has been awesome. So far he has already won more gold medals than any other athlete of any Olympics in history ( 4 so far this Olympics and 11 total as of Tuesday August, 12, 2008 ). I've been glued to the TV since Friday night.

China is also awesome. They've already won 14 gold medals and we've still got a week and 1/2 to go.

Openly gay high diver Matthew Mitcham from Australia will be competing for the gold later in the games.

Rick

[tdogg]

I love platform diving. Don't want to miss it. Tonight is the team dressage (equestrian). I saw Phelps' 200 M butterfly but missed the 800 relay. Heard it was a blowout! China is rocking these games as well. They went all out to concentrate on winning golds and they are succeeding. The drama in gymnastics is less the age of the Chinese girls' team and more the age limit imposed by the IOC and then not enforced in reality. Anyways, their divers, gymnasts and the like are truly bringing it home for their country!

It's been really exciting and we are just into the first week!!!

[Rick336]

It's been really exciting and we are just into the first week!!!

Michael Phelps is unbelievable. And the women's volleyball team are awesome. But China is now on top with the total number of medals. So far 20 gold. The USA is second with 10 gold.

I'm going camping in the woods of Georgia next week and I'm taking a portable TV with me so I won't miss any of it. :D

Rick

[Rick336]

Openly gay high diver Matthew Mitcham from Australia has won the gold medal !!!! for platform diving at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Rick

[tdogg]

Matthew Mitchem's performance was nothing short of excellence!

I also LOVED the women's 4 x 400 relay. It was so exciting, especially that last lap. Of course the mens' 4 x 400 was great, they blew the rest of the teams away. But it was something about the women's race that really ended up being a total display of heart and drive. I'll never forget it.

[Rick336]

Matthew Mitchem's performance was nothing short of excellence!

I also LOVED the women's 4 x 400 relay. It was so exciting, especially that last lap. Of course the mens' 4 x 400 was great, they blew the rest of the teams away. But it was something about the women's race that really ended up being a total display of heart and drive. I'll never forget it.

Yes. Six of the thirteen out lesbians won medals in Beijing!!!!

The past two weeks have been an awesome television event. I haven't missed a night yet. Tonight is the closing ceremony in Beijing and after that I have to wait two years for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. :'(

Here's the story about the lesbians' victories:
http://www.365gay.com/features/lesbians-medal-at-the-olympics/


Rick

[tdogg]

I would think that Matt being gay would be a huge part of this story, considering that he got out of diving in part due to the issues and hardships he faced being gay. Then coming back, he strived to become competitive again, and against all odds won Olympic gold. How is that not compelling enough for NBC to want to cover? The excuses given by the NBC rep in the linked article were just that, excuses. Nothing valid was presented to explain this act of cowardice.