New World Record?

[bassboogieman]

Oh Pill-a-ger.................... the ancient Greeks also competed in the nude - no TV coverage.  :rolleyes:

Politics yes Brian.  I know who the Soviet Premier (Brezniev, probably can't spell it though) was, but can't tell you one name from the hockey team, and I actually watched the game. The same importance or relevance isn't attached to an event by everyone.  And your reference to the "MIRACLE" ON ICE implies Divine Intervention - another thing I don't believe in.  Now don't get your panties in a bunch - I'm busting your stones on that one.

The Olympics themselves are interesting in that the very best in sport (see Pillager, I can buy in to your premise) is showcased.  Regardless of which Country is represented by an athlete, the individual performances should be appreciated for what they are, and not from which Country that athlete represents.  From the Africian runners, the Eastern European gymnasts (both sexes), Soviet weightlifters, Chineese divers, to the American swimmers - they're all equally impressive.  It's the person(s) on the podium that was(were) successful in his(their) pursuit of excellence, not the Country who's flag is going up the pole.  But the flags are important only due to Political influence.

[bassboogieman]

Most interesting thread on the site in MONTHS.  About time a little "discussion" was stirred up. :evil:

[bfitch]

individual performances are great, boogs. but to say that the country's flag is only there for politics aint right. sure i love to see the eastern eurpoean gymnasts ( :evil: ) but i root for the USA gymnasts. why? because i live in the USA, the USA is my "team" in the olympics. its the same thing for all sports. you have a team you root for. yea tom brady had a hell of a year 2 years ago when he threw all them TDs. But that doesnt mean i like the guy as a football player. i dont wake up on the first sunday in september and say to my self " who looks like a team that will do good this year, so i can root for them?" im and Eagles fan, im a Phillies fan, im a Flyers fan, im a ( kinda  :grin: ) sixers fan, and im a USA team fan.

[Pillager]

Brian, you're spot on in your reasoning for rooting for USA athletes at the olympics.  And you also mention you can appreciate the performances of other athletes.  But the fact remains, there is a lot of politics in sports, at ALL levels mind you, not just the olympic level.  If you don't believe that, you're just kidding yourself.  Hitler tried to use the Olympics to "prove" the superiority of the Germans.  And that is probably just the most obvious.  The Russians boycotted olympics in the US.  The US boycotted olympics in Russia.  There have been at least 5 olympic games that have been boycotted by one or more countries.