The opening ceremony marks the start of the 2012 Olympic games in London. They were officially already rolling a couple days ago when soccer opened pool play (and the U.S. women beat France 4-2.)
I’ll admit, I’m a big Olympics guy, especially the summer games. There’s something special about them that draws me in, even to sports I wouldn’t ordinarily tune in for. Like gymnastics, or track and field.
The most compelling part may be the sense of pride for my country. Our country.
As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in a press room with writers that have differing opinions about athletes, teams and sports. But there’s no debate — we’re all rooting for the great U.S.A.
Here’s the top five things I’ll be watching:
5) Women’s Gymnastics
Why would I watch this, you might ask? I got turned onto it in 2008. Admittedly, it’s probably because Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson, both very attractive, were the two stars. Initially, I was so impressed that they were arguably the two best in the world, as high schoolers — like myself.
In 2008, I knew very little about the bunch beforehand. I’m sure, like last time, I will be watching the nightly events.
4) Usain Bolt and Lolo Jones
These two are so captivating within their sport. Bolt is the fastest man in the world and Lolo is the attractive female that we all want to succeed. You may remember her from the last Olympics, where she had a gold-medal nearly in hand but got hung up while trying to clear the last hurdle of her event and finished second-to-last. Just devastating.
Bolt is nearly inhuman. Though, not an American, watching him breeze past every other competitor is wild. It’s hard to fathom someone being so quick. Blink, and he’s already crossed the finish line in the 100M.
3) Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte
Swimming is a lot more enjoyable when you have big storylines and record-breaking performances. Phelps, was the story in Beijing. He won a record eight gold medals, one-upping Mark Spitz (who, like me, went to Indiana University and was a Phi Psi.). Can he do it again? That’s what partially will keep my attention.
This year, his top rival and a handful of the races is fellow-American and London roommate, Ryan Lochte. I’ll say Lochte edges Phelps in one race for the gold. Regardless, these two are spectacular at what they do.
One thing I hope not to see from the pool, cutaways of Phelps’ mom. Please, no.
2) Women’s basketball
First, I have a clear bias in this one. When it comes to great people, it doesn’t get any better than my friend Tamika Catchings. She’s as genuine of a person as I’ve ever met. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her and the Indiana Fever for the last 12 years and so I’ll always have her back.
Moreover, thanks to my job, I’ve built some quality friendships with a few players on the team. I’ll be watching every game as a friend and an American, cheering on the squad who should easily capture the gold. And frankly, I enjoy women’s basketball at a high level, probably because I had three sports-enthusiastic sisters and grew up with it.
1) Men’s basketball
Yes, I’m a basketball junkie. It’s Indiana. The more basketball, the better. Although they aren’t at full strength — Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Blake Griffin notably absent — this group, led by Coach Krzyzewski, is compelling to watch.
It’s quite fascinating how the best crop of NBA players can put their egos and statistics aside for Team USA. A big takeaway from the tune-up games was that they were too unselfish. Instead of playing lots of one-on-one ball, which you’d expect, they were passing too much. It’s not the Dream Team — let’s get over that tiresome comparison– but it may be the next best.
After some difficulties in the late-90s and early 2000s, Team USA has their act together and I believe they’ll win their second-straight gold medal.
**As for the opening ceremony that Americans will watch tonight (tape-delayed at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC) there’s no way it tops Beijing. What a show that was and it shall always remain among the best, ever.