Olympics   2004-08-16

I wouldn't call myself an avid sports fan by any stretch, but, that said, I do like to settle in and watch some sports on the tele once in awhile. Hockey. footy. I'm easy.

it was with great anticipation that I waited for the Olympics to begin. I get goosebumps imagining myself competing in the track and field events. Crossing the finish line with the roar of the crowd in my ears. When I'm on the treadmill I imagine I'm running the last 400 meter lap in the Olympic stadium. Glory. Track and field. I love the Olympics.

So, it was with great disappointment when in the lead up to the Olympics it became clear that most Taiwanese didn't appear to be all that interested in the Olympics. Class conversations, activities, and free time, all centered around the Olympics, fizzled. And not just with students, which consist of a very broad spectrum on the public, either. Taiwanese co-teachers, the few friends we've made here ... no one gives a rat's ass about the Olympics.

Eddy the Eagle? Flo-Jo? Ross Rebagliati?

Higher? Faster? Stoner?

Helloooooo ...

Obviously the people have spoken because there's next to nothing reflected in the TV coverage of the games.

It's been a real bummer.

The one thing the Taiwanese do seem moderately interested in is baseball. Well ... baseball, badminton, and table tennis. Baseball? Badminton? Table tennis? Newman. Maybe I'm a closet sports elitist. How did these sports make it into the Olympics anyway? Not that they're not sports ... at ease badminton enthusiasts ... but in the Olympics? It makes as much sense as windsurfing being an Olympic sport. come on now ... before long the   petanque   team from the Gaspe is going to start grumbling.

So, it looks like I'm going to have to set my alarm for 3:00am to watch the table tennis tournament if I want to get my Olympic fix.

Only another four years until the next summer Olympics. The countdown has begun ...

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