How am I your daughter? I LOVE the Olympics! I cheer, I cry, I yell! The pageantry! The tradition! The elite skill! The anthems! The flags! The thrills and the heartbreak! The languages! The proposals! The opening ceremony! The closing ceremony! Paris! And SNOOP! Too long to wait for LA 2028!
Like you, Fred, I’m not watching the Olympics. For me, it’s a festival of jingoism. Also, I am not a fan of the national anthem, a collection of warmongering lyrics written by a slave-holder, to the tune of a British drinking song. Once again, an excellent column, and thanks for including a photo of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, one of the greatest men of the twentieth century.
It's the only one we have right now. Someone could write another one with different lyrics, and maybe Taylor Swift could make it popular. I'd be happy to learn the new one if it were made official. But what to do until that happens? I'd guess that most Americans don't know the anthem's history and controversy with regard to racism, and the music isn't even original, but people in the U.S. embrace it as patriotic, and they still stand for it when it's played before games and someone yells, "Play ball!" It's what we learned since kindergarten (without the racism information) and It doesn't mean that people who sing it embrace the idea of slavery, or war, or bombs bursting in air that kill children and their families. Maybe you could use your influence (and singing talent) to make a big change, Bob.
I enjoy seeing snippets of the Olympics as I channel surf. It's kind of like watching ballet dancers perform, or Meryl Streep's acting in a movie - people who are at the top of their game after years and years of practice. "Good for you," I say to the TV. I even yell, "GO, GO, GO!" if a USA team member has a chance to win gold during the 100 meter finals or a four-person relay. More than anything, I admire what it took to get to that sweet spot of athletic perfection. It's kind of like reading your column every week and asking myself, how does Fred do it? You have to be so disciplined to think of a story and put it in words that entertain, week after week. A sort of writing marathon, if you will, and an Olympic pace for ordinary people. Plus, you walk three miles a day. Makes me wonder...isn't that achievement enough for anyone?
I didn't watch any of the Olympics, but I did read the headlines pertianing to it. I used to love watching the Olympics. I honestly don't know why I lost interest. I do know I walked over 5 miles yesterday and I feel so good about my effort.
I'm with Kristin on this one and missing most of the games being at BML, I was so grateful that Peacock allowed us, once home to watch even though we perhaps already knew who won. Also- it used to be that you had to watch and wait on the one station for your event to come up. I love that Peacock let me search my sport etc. Thanks for adding me to your substack!
As you probably know, I'm something on an Olympic patriot. Not necessarily for the sports part of it, though I find that to be fun and pretty dramatic. As imperfect as the event is, and an imperfect as it is to be seen through the lens of NBC, in person it is fabulous stuff. Education on many levels.
Don't be jealous. None of those jocks can write an essay like you can.
Anyone reading this post from my old Newsday pal John Jeansonne: If you want smart, readable sports commentary -- wiith rare depth and perspective -- sign up for John's "(Mostly) hot topics" on Substack. Outstanding, every time.
Very kind, sir. (I might say that the "depth and perspective" is very rare.
Going to award lots of gold, silver, bronze and tin medals for the Paris Olympics in my next substack. Rare depth, indeed. Might be controversial, since the NBC coverage often annoyed me.
Fred, I forgot about one aspects I love about the Olympics. When a nation wins its first ever medal be it gold, silver or bronze even if they beat the USA. This year it was Botswana and Dominica.
We've been traveling so I've watched only a little. I think I'd have been disinterested anyway because of the time difference. Whenever I thought it might be something to watch a basketball or a pommel horse or a sabre or a track, I'd get an alert that so-and-so had won the gold. Good for them, but I like the element of surprise.
Hi Fred, I like watching the Olympics. It’s the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I find it heartwarming to see the diversity of the families who are in the stadium supporting their athlete. I find joy in seeing all our athletes of color represent my country and somehow those of us in the “great USA” let their pride in the athletes accomplishments bleed into their lives and embrace them as their fellow American citizens. I am glad the Games are almost over. I do want to see how LA presents itself for 2028. A few last thoughts. When the Olympics was in Atlanta, our lives were filled with so many activities for our children. Cayte participated in an Olympic events at her middle school and even won a medal. That helped her keep the notion of being physically fit in her life and in her son’s lives.
We loved watching the Olympics. Such a breath of fresh air from the constant political bashing- crime in the streets and overall depressing news. Young men and women who trained hard and show their solidarity to their teammates, in my opinion, worth watching and praising. We also love watching our grandchildren play various sports. So proud of them and so glad to be cheering for them on a ball field and not visiting them in some other place - if you get my drift. My son will compete in his fifth marathon in March. He is competing in The Majors- an international competition. Again, we will be cheering on a young man focused on a positive path. By the way, love your column.
I love your columns, Fred! Always loaded with great details, and they're so informative and witty. Your not alone on the Olympics. I enjoy watching track and gymnastics- mostly because I loved to run when I was a youngster and I enjoyed doing gymnastics (self taught).
I don’t know how everyone else feels but to me the Olympics are just not the same without the USSR. Maybe it’s just nostalgia but I miss seeing our small town boys and girls go up against gladiators from the evil empire.
What’s the fun of sending NBA all stars to beat up farmers from Serbia? Just saying😝
Who could root against Botswana and Dominica?
We should try Ancestry again.
How am I your daughter? I LOVE the Olympics! I cheer, I cry, I yell! The pageantry! The tradition! The elite skill! The anthems! The flags! The thrills and the heartbreak! The languages! The proposals! The opening ceremony! The closing ceremony! Paris! And SNOOP! Too long to wait for LA 2028!
I'll try Ancestry if you will.
My gosh. Kristin, you're such a fan and your enthusiasm has pushed up my interest in the Olympics quite a few notches. What a great cheerleader!
Like you, Fred, I’m not watching the Olympics. For me, it’s a festival of jingoism. Also, I am not a fan of the national anthem, a collection of warmongering lyrics written by a slave-holder, to the tune of a British drinking song. Once again, an excellent column, and thanks for including a photo of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, one of the greatest men of the twentieth century.
Bob -- At home, no need to stand for the National Anthem. At ease.
It's the only one we have right now. Someone could write another one with different lyrics, and maybe Taylor Swift could make it popular. I'd be happy to learn the new one if it were made official. But what to do until that happens? I'd guess that most Americans don't know the anthem's history and controversy with regard to racism, and the music isn't even original, but people in the U.S. embrace it as patriotic, and they still stand for it when it's played before games and someone yells, "Play ball!" It's what we learned since kindergarten (without the racism information) and It doesn't mean that people who sing it embrace the idea of slavery, or war, or bombs bursting in air that kill children and their families. Maybe you could use your influence (and singing talent) to make a big change, Bob.
Attaway, Tay-Tay!
I enjoy seeing snippets of the Olympics as I channel surf. It's kind of like watching ballet dancers perform, or Meryl Streep's acting in a movie - people who are at the top of their game after years and years of practice. "Good for you," I say to the TV. I even yell, "GO, GO, GO!" if a USA team member has a chance to win gold during the 100 meter finals or a four-person relay. More than anything, I admire what it took to get to that sweet spot of athletic perfection. It's kind of like reading your column every week and asking myself, how does Fred do it? You have to be so disciplined to think of a story and put it in words that entertain, week after week. A sort of writing marathon, if you will, and an Olympic pace for ordinary people. Plus, you walk three miles a day. Makes me wonder...isn't that achievement enough for anyone?
Thinking? Who said anything about thinking?
Let’s go LA 2028!
New Olympic Event for LA 2028: Xtreme Shopping. Venue: Rodeo Drive.
Oooooooooh---- I like!
I didn't watch any of the Olympics, but I did read the headlines pertianing to it. I used to love watching the Olympics. I honestly don't know why I lost interest. I do know I walked over 5 miles yesterday and I feel so good about my effort.
You'll be ready for the Elder Olympics 5-mile walk. Keep at it.
I'm with Kristin on this one and missing most of the games being at BML, I was so grateful that Peacock allowed us, once home to watch even though we perhaps already knew who won. Also- it used to be that you had to watch and wait on the one station for your event to come up. I love that Peacock let me search my sport etc. Thanks for adding me to your substack!
Hello, Lisa. Go straight to Laser Sharpshooting. Not to be missed. Cheers/fb
We Taureans think alike!
That's a smashing limerick.
As you probably know, I'm something on an Olympic patriot. Not necessarily for the sports part of it, though I find that to be fun and pretty dramatic. As imperfect as the event is, and an imperfect as it is to be seen through the lens of NBC, in person it is fabulous stuff. Education on many levels.
Don't be jealous. None of those jocks can write an essay like you can.
Anyone reading this post from my old Newsday pal John Jeansonne: If you want smart, readable sports commentary -- wiith rare depth and perspective -- sign up for John's "(Mostly) hot topics" on Substack. Outstanding, every time.
Very kind, sir. (I might say that the "depth and perspective" is very rare.
Going to award lots of gold, silver, bronze and tin medals for the Paris Olympics in my next substack. Rare depth, indeed. Might be controversial, since the NBC coverage often annoyed me.
Fred, I forgot about one aspects I love about the Olympics. When a nation wins its first ever medal be it gold, silver or bronze even if they beat the USA. This year it was Botswana and Dominica.
We've been traveling so I've watched only a little. I think I'd have been disinterested anyway because of the time difference. Whenever I thought it might be something to watch a basketball or a pommel horse or a sabre or a track, I'd get an alert that so-and-so had won the gold. Good for them, but I like the element of surprise.
When did Horse Pommeling become an event? I missed that in research.
Hi Fred, I like watching the Olympics. It’s the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I find it heartwarming to see the diversity of the families who are in the stadium supporting their athlete. I find joy in seeing all our athletes of color represent my country and somehow those of us in the “great USA” let their pride in the athletes accomplishments bleed into their lives and embrace them as their fellow American citizens. I am glad the Games are almost over. I do want to see how LA presents itself for 2028. A few last thoughts. When the Olympics was in Atlanta, our lives were filled with so many activities for our children. Cayte participated in an Olympic events at her middle school and even won a medal. That helped her keep the notion of being physically fit in her life and in her son’s lives.
You're a good person, Carla.
We loved watching the Olympics. Such a breath of fresh air from the constant political bashing- crime in the streets and overall depressing news. Young men and women who trained hard and show their solidarity to their teammates, in my opinion, worth watching and praising. We also love watching our grandchildren play various sports. So proud of them and so glad to be cheering for them on a ball field and not visiting them in some other place - if you get my drift. My son will compete in his fifth marathon in March. He is competing in The Majors- an international competition. Again, we will be cheering on a young man focused on a positive path. By the way, love your column.
Mary Ellen -- All you say is correct. Solidarity -- and good luck to your family's marathon man.
I love your columns, Fred! Always loaded with great details, and they're so informative and witty. Your not alone on the Olympics. I enjoy watching track and gymnastics- mostly because I loved to run when I was a youngster and I enjoyed doing gymnastics (self taught).
I used to run, too, Jennifer -- usually toward the ice cream truck. Not the kind of training track coaches have in mind.
I don’t know how everyone else feels but to me the Olympics are just not the same without the USSR. Maybe it’s just nostalgia but I miss seeing our small town boys and girls go up against gladiators from the evil empire.
What’s the fun of sending NBA all stars to beat up farmers from Serbia? Just saying😝
Those farmers are on full scholarships at Belgrade A&M.
Hello, Anthony.
My bet: X-treme Pickle Ball next.