c1975's Blog

The games of the XXIX Summer Olympics have come and gone. I watched them on TV as I have always done. I've always enjoyed them--always enjoyed the ceremonies and all the nations coming together and I enjoy the competition. I am a big sports fan. I watched these Olympics on NBC (who I think have televised them since 2000, if I'm not mistaken). I give their coverage of this year's Games a B, or, if a medal was to be awarded to the network, I think they would get the bronze medal. I enjoyed the coverage of the swimming, diving, gymnastics. I thought Michael Phelps was just awesome--winning gold in all eight of his events in less than a week! He is truly a great champion and seems a nice, down-to-earth, humble young man, too (kind of cute also :) ). Glad I got to see LeBron James of the Cavaliers and team USA get basketball gold and the Argentine men take soccer gold (broadcast on Telemundo). But I think NBC put too much emphasis on volleyball (both the beach and indoor kind). I think they should have put more emphasis on soccer and basketball. I do not think that volleyball is more internationally popular than soccer and basketball. Basketball is obviously growing and gaining fans globally. This could be seen in the Opening Ceremony of these 2008 Olympics--where 5 of the flagbearers in the Parade of Nations were NBA players. I think I may have liked to have seen more of the equestrian events, too. I also did not like how at times, NBC would start covering an event then they would cut away to another then back again. I think they should start and finish an event; showing it in its entireity before going to another. And show more of the medal ceremonies after the events. So NBC's Olympic coverage of these Olympic Games for me earns a bronze medal. I do think they need to step up and show more of basketball and soccer. ABC is not afraid to show soccer. I think NBC overdid the volleyball coverage.
I am glad however that these were a fairly peaceful Olympics; that the athletes are returning home safe and sound. In a year and half; in 18 months (2010), it all happens again, with the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. I look forward to watching again.