I love watching most sports and have enjoyed the Winter Olympics. I wonder if I am the only one disturbed however by how important chance seems to be in many winter events. I am particularly thinking about short track skating and snowboard cross. The Olympics should be about being the best,not the luckiest.
Originally posted by craiglll@yahoo.com
How do you explain Koreans & Japanese love of baseball. That definitely shows that sprots are truly influneced by specific cultural experiences. Korea, like the Netherlands has many small streams that freeze duringthe winter. Those streams were used like highways for transportation.
No, I agree with that, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are going to dominate in those sports. Lots of Filipinos like to play basketball, but I still don't think their Olympic medal chances are good.
Interesting note about speed skating in Holland. Apparently it became poplular in the 19th century because of the "mini ice age" that occurred in that century. Canals often froze over then that rarely if ever do now (according to "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson).
To me that whole grew up in a cabin story is just another story to fill times between events. Who gives a rat's behind? If he won gold, the cabin thing would be flipped the other way and all skiers would start living in cabins with hippies.
Originally posted by SwiminONandON
he is the most consistent not necessarily winning the most.
Actually I'll disagree with this. Bode is horribly inconsistent. The dude is a loose cannon. He might blow everyone else off the course or he might hook the first gate. You just never know with the guy. Of course this makes him exciting, but also frustrating to watch.
The material thing doesn't really hold much wtaer, IMO. I just don't see an Olympic medal as a "material possession." The athletes aren't there working their butts off because they think the medals are pretty. :)
Originally posted by knelson
Not sure I get your point. Are you saying lots of Japanese women do run marathons, or don't? Height doesn't seem to be a requirement to run marathons well. The African distance runners, for example, are typically on the small side.
Anyway, it's obviously a combination of things. Koreans excel at the sport because it's popular in Korea and their body types tend to be suited to it.
How do you explain Koreans & Japanese love of baseball. That definitely shows that sprots are truly influneced by specific cultural experiences. Korea, like the Netherlands has many small streams that freeze duringthe winter. Those streams were used like highways for transportation.
About Bode Miller. His parents don't live in a cabin anymore. HIs RV is completely luxurious.
What do most people think about all of the famioly & personal history inthe stories this morning about the snowboard jumper? I'm not sure we needed to know all the personal details that most stories gave.
Originally posted by aquageek
Give me a break! The guy grew up in a cabin is the reason for his odd behavior? He's an elite athlete in his sport. He obviously loves competition and the perks he gets from being at the elite level. He doesn't seem to mind flying all over the world, partying his ass off and enjoying the good life but yet we should say he doesn't do as well as we would like because he grew up in a cabin.
My ppoint is I think he struggles with what he really wants. He grew up thinking that material possessions aren't important now he lives (and yes, enjoys) in a very materialistic world.
And as you said he is an elite athlete. He wins world championships because time after time he places fourth or fifth not because he goes in and dominates everything. World championships are decided based off of World Cup points, he is the most consistent not necessarily winning the most. There is a big difference.
And yes, I know he is now living quite a life and so are his parents.
Originally posted by knelson
So don't be too hard on Bode Miller...
There's nothing wrong with trying your hardest and not winning the gold. In fact, I always wonder why people think a silver or bronze medal is a "loss."
But, geez, Miller's attitude stinks. If he wants out of the lime light, then he should return all of his endorsement money and go be a ski instructor. He acts like he doesn't even want to be at the Olympics. Last time I checked, participation was voluntary.
Originally posted by Allen Stark
My vote for the gutsiest perfpomance of the games goes to the Chinese woman in the Pairs. I'm surprised she could walk after that fall let alone skate beautifully.
Must have been the roids...
(Sorry, it's a joke, I just couldn't resist the temptation)
Originally posted by Allen Stark
My vote for the gutsiest perfpomance of the games goes to the Chinese woman in the Pairs. I'm surprised she could walk after that fall let alone skate beautifully.
Must have been the roids...
(Sorry, it's a joke, I just couldn't resist the temptation)
My vote for the gutsiest perfpomance of the games goes to the Chinese woman in the Pairs. I'm surprised she could walk after that fall let alone skate beautifully.
