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Relevant Olympic Sports @ the I.O.C.

P Prime91,000+ posts
I'm from the South and probably just don't get some of these Winter Olympic Sports. Ok, I understand that the I.O.C. is a Sub-committee of the UN and operates with the same political biases so I should understand, as an ugly American, why Baseball and Softball aren't relevant sports (yes, I know they are played in the Summer Olympics) and deserved to be dropped on that merit.

So, how have the following been deemed representative of sporting endeavors in a major area of the world; Bi-athalon(ok you ski'd into the woods and shot a rabbit for dinner --- that's sport), Curling (Sweeping on-ice .. what athletes! Why not Bowling or Shuffleboard?), Bobsled (why not Snowmobiling?), Slalom (why not water-sking in the summer?), and my favorite major athletic event, Luge?? Why not downhill bicycling?

Seriously, does anyone else out there look at some of this stuff and wonder how in the world do they select the sports to represent International athletic competition?? And just for the record, I've traveled, worked and lived abroad.

JMO
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RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
The sports are selected or eliminated by vote. The national federation for the sport being considered does a presentation.

What may seem like a silly sport to you may be a huge sport in other parts of the world (biathalon, bobsled, luge and slalom). I have no idea how popular curling is. Slalom is the most challenging ski event in the Olympics. There are plenty of downhill champions who stink at slalom. Biathalon has it's origins in the military.

Add: Today, curling is played all over Europe and has spread to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Korea. Curling has been an official sport in the Winter Olympic Games since the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Last edited by RJM
Jimmy03Jimmy031,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Prime9:
Ok, I understand that the I.O.C. is a Sub-committee of the UN and operates with the same political biases....

JMO


The IOC has partnered with the United Nations Environmental Progamme (UNEP)on certain issues, however,I don't believe the IOC is officially a sub committee of the UN.
P Prime91,000+ posts
No, I know the IOC and the UN aren't affiliated. That was just my attempt at sarcasm as they both operate with a "political agenda."

Interesting that curling is popular but Shuffleboard never hit the big time. If the Biathalon has a Military history it's presumably the Russians, at work as our Allies on the Russian front .... but really. Many of us trained as Snipers .... don't see it as sport either.
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
Maybe curling is one of the most watched because it has been broadcast almost 24/7 on CNBC. I swear, almost everytime I go there, they are curling. I don't mind it, but my wife has said the same thing Prime said about it.

My big thing is Ice Dancing. I can maybe understand pairs skating (Blades of Glory), but Ice Dancing is rediculous IMO.

I really like all the skiing events, except maybe cross country although I see it's merit as an Olympic sport. Good to see the X Games crowd involved. Those guys are nuts, but very talented. Snowboarding 1/2 pipe is insane!!
P Prime91,000+ posts
quote:
In case you missed it, baseball is no longer in the summer olympics.


Actually, that was the point I was trying to make; they have been dropped (therefore not deemed relevant by the IOC) while we have all this other non-sense stuff that apparently, to someone somewhere, ARE relevant Olympic sports.

Sorry that I didn't make myself clear.
55mom55mom1,000+ posts
had a similar discussion recently - friend is perfectly OK with Hockey, but thinks they did the right thing with baseball. Huh? Never really got a good answer except that Olympics are supposed to be the best of the best.

Personally, I think letting in NBA players ruined all "team" sports. Cuba and the Caribbean nations are hurt the most by eliminating baseball, not the US. I guess there is no such thing as amateur - except maybe in US high schools.

I also don't think the IOC is so much political, as money making. They seem very aware of the TV audience, but have dismissed the internet audience. I wanted to see Seth Wescott's gold medal run and couldn't find it. Several youtube files had been taken down by the IOC. (might be up now, haven't checked in the post few days) They think curling and hockey have the wider appeal. Personally I love bobsled. luge, skeleton, various skiing events. and speed skating. Figure skating is OK.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
To support this discussion, I propose a set of attributes for most relevant and least relevant Olympic sports. This is my opinion alone, and yes, it is completely intended to create a debate. Here's what I think:

Most Relevant Olympic Sports:
1) Competed Internationally at a competetive level in other venues
2) Opposing defense or head-to-head action is integral
3) Demands a high level of skill and athleticism
4) The sport has a complex developmental heirarchy in most countries (youth/amateur/semi-pro/pro)


Moderately Relevant:
1) Played by all G8 and traditional Olympic countries at a competetive level in other venues
2) Competitor is not completely in control of the conditions
3) Demands a high level of skill and athleticism
4) Lots of youth/amateur paricipation, but you can't go pro


Least Relevant:
1) Specific to a more limited set of countries
2) Prepared programs and/or benign competing conditions
3) One of either "level of skill" or "level of athleticism" required could be debated (I don't think both could ever be debated for the Olympics)
4) People pretty much only prepare for the Olympics in the sport


I think there could also be different combinations of the above that would probably fall in the "Moderate Relevance" category.
Last edited by wraggArm
hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
The IOC baseball vote was purely a political shot at the USA, without question. While the lack of baseball may hurt other countries more, it is seen as an American sport, and in case anyone missed it, we aren't always the most popular kid on the block.

Each region of the world has their own sport favorites. Speed skating isn't huge here, but in the European countries that stay frozen several months each year, it's a very very big deal. If there was an ESPN Norway, and if there isn't, there will be someday, they would lead with skiing and skating, not A-Rod and Labron.

Curling and synchronized swimming push the envelope of "sport" IMHO, but if enough people enjoy watching, and will buy tickets, it will be legitimized.


One of these days, some enterprising soul will combine synchronized swimming with the SI swimsuit issue, and they will sell out cable TV rights to every bar in America...
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
quote:
Baseball and Softball aren't relevant sports (yes, I know they are played in the Summer Olympics)


In case you missed it, baseball is no longer in the summer olympics.
Softball is gone too. Baseball could have been saved by MLB taking a midseason break like the NHL does for the Winter Olympics. USA Softball dominated Olympic softball to the point it was considered noncompetitive. The following year China beat USA in the World Cup competition.
Last edited by RJM
D dub-L-play10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by jemaz:
Curling is fabulous. I have become a curling fan for life. I want to take up curling. I want to learn the rules, I want to watch, I want to compete. It is the crown of the Olympics. Put it in the summer games, too!

Seriously, curling rocks. I can't get enough of it.


I would assume anyone of us on here could compete in curling. It seems unfair to an Athlete who trains 5+hours a day on either skiing, skating or swimming, or running can get the same metal as say a guy who drinks beer and eats chicken wings. Kinda makes you scratch your head and say ok, maybe curling is really a game, not a sport.

I know it is popular, and fascinating for some easily amused, but it is a game, just like horse shoes, shuffleboard or croquet.
Last edited by dub-L-play
igballigball500+ posts
Actually I've come to sort of like watching curling too. My son said he's played it a friends club and said its a fun game to play as well.

The announcers did lose me when lamenting the USA womens team lack of success they mentioned how they "work out" year round to stay in shape for the sport.

"Ich don't think so."
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
There are 39 Summer Olympic sports. 16 involve what I believe we would call defense (facing off against each other). Another 7 involve defense if you consider angling on the turns defense (some cycling, sailing, track, etc). There are 15 Winter Olympic sports. Only 1 (hockey) involves face to face defense. There are 6 more if you consider angling in a race defense. In total only 17 of 54 Olympic sports involve face to face defense. It leads me to believe face to face defense is not what the Olympics is about or interests the world's sports fans. The original Olympics involved foot and chariot races.
Last edited by RJM
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
In total only 17 of 54 Olympic sports involve face to face defense


I'm proposing head-to-head action (not just head-to-head defense) as being more "sports-relevant" than prepared-program sports or time trial-style runs. For example, speed skating doesn't have a defense, but people are competing interactively and that seems to have some merit. In fact, any kind of race occurs to me as being very relevant sports-wise. Maybe because head-to-head action with an adversary drives the athelete to be more innovative with his skills in order to overcome the situation.



Does that help get my scoring up from 17/54 ?
Last edited by wraggArm
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
13 more. 30 of 54. But consider how nervewracking it is to take your turn and then wait out the competition. Or, watch your competition ace the event and then you have to go top it. I don't see ice skaters or gymnasts (two most popular sports in each Olympics) as any less athletic or competitive than any other sport. Skiers not only compete against their competition, they compete against the hill. The hill can injure them badly.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by JMoff:
The US stinks at Curling, but I can't stop watching...

quote:
Curling is fabulous. I have become a curling fan for life. I want to take up curling. I want to learn the rules, I want to watch, I want to compete. It is the crown of the Olympics. Put it in the summer games, too!

Seriously, curling rocks. I can't get enough of it.

quote:
Originally posted by igball:
Actually I've come to sort of like watching curling too.


I know, right?!!! I've got the same problem. I don't think its a sport (ref. my prior post), it doesn't seem that hard, its slow and boring, but I can't stop watching it. It's like watching a car wreck or staring at your 54 year-old boss's cl3vage. I just keep asking myself "why can't I stop doing this? ... what's wrong with me?...why can't I look away?".
Last edited by wraggArm
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
... consider how nervewracking it is to take your turn and then wait out the competition. Or, watch your competition ace the event and then you have to go top it. ...


Agreed - its probably excruciating, and only for certain people with elite skillsets. But so are piano competitions.

The skier vs. the hill seems challenging and dangerous as well, but I propose it goes in the "Moderately Relevant" category for sports. Still not head-to-head action, but the athelete does have to deal with the uncertainties of the hill. Ski-cross racing, on the otherhand...awesome.
Last edited by wraggArm
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
From having skied both downhill (competitively) and cross country I believe downhill is more challenging. Cross country is about strength and endurance. Downhill is about strength, endurance and agility. There's very little room to screw up in downhill. Aside from wiping out, there's a reason skiers wear heavy padding on their arms in slalom.

Go figure my son isn't listening to me when I told him to take it easy on his snowboard this year (junior year) due to baseball. He threw it back in my face I skied competitively on weekends in high school and screwed off doing freestyle with my friends (no flips). Then he threw in the jumping off bridges and cliffs in the summer. Is it possible to convince a kid because we did something doesn't mean it was sensible? Had there been half pipe boarding when I was a kid that's where you would have found me.
CS coach scotty10+ posts
Personally with the exception of some sort of relay I don't think there should be any team sports in the Olympics. Team sports have other venues with witch to compete. However since there are team sports I truly agree with the OP about how Baseball and softball can be left out with some of the other events still there. But forget about comparing it to the winter Olympics IMO there are far more outrageous events in the summer Olympics. For example SHOOTING A BB GUN.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by dub-L-play:

I would assume anyone of us on here could compete in curing.

I'm sure you could. All you need to do is put your family and careers on hold for years, live for a passion outside of normal life, compete against the best around the world with the same passion, and then put your soul on the line not to embarrass your Country.

Piece of cake, get signed up tomorrow, and I'll see you in 4 years.

With work we all could compete in any sport. However, Passion and expertise is not bought, it is acquired through hard work and commitment. No one ridicules curling in my neck of the woods because it takes strategy, touch, teamwork, practice, and commitment. The attitude of many of those in the warmer parts of the Country about Curling is embarrassing.

On behalf of the Northern tier of the United States, we are sorry for not living up to your Southern expectations on how to live life with the resources we have.

This is not pointed to any specific person/group on this board but toward the press, blogs, message boards, opinion pages, and anyone else who has made a mockery of a sport that is played throughout the world.
Last edited by rz1
55mom55mom1,000+ posts
RZ -I have many southern friends who absolutely love curling. I like it, I even watched the show "how its made" showing how the stones were manufactured. Did you know the Norwegian team PANTS has its own FB fan page. :-)

I prefer the "faster" sports. I'm skeered of heights, so there is no way on God's frozen earth, I'm sliding down the side of a mountain. I really appreciate when others make it seem so easy.
AntzDadAntzDad1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by rz1:
and anyone else who has made a mockery of a sport that is played throughout the world.


To me, The Olympics were ALWAYS about sports you didn't see every day.

And how about those Canadian curling announcers dressing down the American announcer for suggesting that Great Britain call a time-out to 'freeze' Sweden's thrower on the last shot in the extra end.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
AntzDad quote:
And how about those Canadian curling announcers dressing down the American announcer for suggesting that Great Britain call a time-out to 'freeze' Sweden's thrower on the last shot in the extra end.


That's what it's all about. While the scores are kept between the lines, passion oozes between the cracks of every border. That is Olympic competition.

IMHO, I can say this without sarcasm that the world is a safer place because of the years of Olympic competition. We are a competitive species by nature, and while governments play their political games, the "people" of the world would rather have battles on the "fields of competition" rather than the "fields of death". Athletics, regardless of the event, brings nations eye-2-eye competitively without the carnage and that very well may be the reason we still inhabit this Earth.

The BIG picture is often overlooked because of the materialistic value put on the Games.
Last edited by rz1
D dub-L-play10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by rz1:

On behalf of the Northern tier of the United States, we are sorry for not living up to your Southern expectations on how to live life with the resources we have.

This is not pointed to any specific person/group on this board but toward the press, blogs, message boards, opinion pages, and anyone else who has made a mockery of a sport that is played throughout the world.


RZ1 no need to apologize for not living up to the rest of the countrys' expectations... we know you guys are stir crazy in WI. When you think that sweeping a broom is as challenging as running a marathon or skiing down hill at 80mph you've been in the cold too long. And yeah, you're right, that sweeping takes years to master. The great thing is the gals don't even have to stop training when they're 7 months pregnant. And to think people are making fun of it, the nerve!

I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?
Last edited by dub-L-play
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?

if fly-fishing was an Olympic event I would not only respect it, but root for the American team to strip line better than the rest of world without prejudice toward the sport. How bout that?
Last edited by rz1
D dub-L-play10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by rz1:
quote:
I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?

if fly-fishing was an Olympic event I would not only respect it, but root for the American team to strip line better than the rest of world without prejudice toward the sport. How bout that


Are you sure you wouldn't want to watch ICE Fishing instead? It would take about as much training as sweeping a broom... there could be a contest as to who can drill into the ice fastest. Maybe time trials to see who can qualify.
coach2709coach270910,000+ posts
I love the summer Olympics and pretty much watch every competition I can find but the winter Olympics I just can't get into it. I can watch the speed events like downhill skiiing, luge, bobsled and things like that. Curling I just can't get into it. Mainly for the obvious reasons that I don't understand the rules, it's slow and I just don't understand it.

That being said I totally respect any person who competes in the Olympics regardless of sport. To put that much time, effort and commitment into a sport people hear about once every four years and be one of the world's best is truly remarkable.

As for baseball I don't want MLB to sell out and take a two week break just to compete in the Olympics. Maybe I'm a traditionalist but I want amateurs (or minor leaguers) to make up the teams. Using college players or MiLB players could allow a guy who's not on the radar or stuck behind a first round stud get some exposure and make it.

Athletically speaking nothing can be a greater feeling than winning a gold medal and standing on that podium hearing the National Anthem. I would give anything to have that feeling.

One thing that strikes me watching the Olympics is these people love their country they are from. I'm obviously an American and I love being an American and feel I live in the greatest country on the face of this earth but I get to see some guy or girl from a country I can't say or spell have that same feeling that I do for their country. Very moving.

Best moment I can remember watching is when that sprinter who pulled up lame in his race but wanted to finish. So his dad jumped out of the stands and helped him finish. Loved that.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
dub-L-play quote:
Are you sure you wouldn't want to watch ICE Fishing instead?

Watch ice fishing? I might even qualify and represent my Country .

dub- You're a funny guy....ignorant.....but funny.

Ice fishing is not about the skill of catching fish, rather the challenge of taking on the the most formidable foe known to man.....Mother Nature. Sitting over a hole in the ice waiting for a fish to swim by is kind of stupid. But to sit there, taking Mother Natures wrath, respecting her power, and maybe walking away with some of her bounty to share with your family is something you have to experience to appreciate. If you want to make fun of me or "my kind", you'll have to get in line, and trust me, the line is long, and in the end, we really don't care, because we are, what we are. American and proud.

Later buddy
Last edited by rz1
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
It might interest many of you that the skill of sweeping in curling is not as easy as you make it--I daresay you just don't walk in off the street and begin to do it --I agree that any man or woman in any Olympic sport is to be commended --they spend many,many hours in practice and preparation to get there and then it is to represent their country--

Just a shame that too many people live in a "bubble" and do not want to leave
Last edited by TRhit
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by coach scotty:
I will say on thing about the winter Olympics. Short track speed skating my be the most nerve wrecking sport to watch (if your pulling for someone) that I have ever encountered.


This sport is awesome. From the moment you see it happening, the skill, athleticism, strategy, and confrontation are apparent. It doesn't require some long, sappy dialog from your spouse about how much preparation and dedication it takes to be able to do it. It doesn't require a "well-developed eye" or some sophisticated appreciation of "inhetent beauty" to get into it. It's pointless to be high-browed or pretentiously knowlegable about Speed Skating, because the white-knuckle competetiveness of it is so present from start to finish. Great sport.
Last edited by wraggArm
D dub-L-play10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by TRhit:
It might interest many of you that the skill of sweeping in curling is not as easy as you make it--I daresay you just don't walk in off the street and begin to do it --I agree that any man or woman in any Olympic sport is to be commended --they spend many,many hours in practice and preparation to get there and then it is to represent their country--

Just a shame that too many people live in a "bubble" and do not want to leave


They spend may hours of practice and preparation - so does my kid on XBOX, but I don't expect him to get a metal for Guitar Hero. It does not take hours and years of working in the weight room, sweating risking injury to improve. Don't care how popular it is around the world - like I said if a pregnant woman can do it, then well, enough said. I'm not in a bubble - just a realist.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by rz1:
Ice fishing is not about the skill of catching fish, rather the challenge of taking on the the most formidable foe known to man.....Mother Nature. Sitting over a hole in the ice waiting for a fish to swim by is kind of stupid. But to sit there, taking Mother Natures wrath, respecting her power, and maybe walking away with some of her bounty to share with your family is something you have to experience to appreciate.


If Ice Fishing were an Olympic sport, I would support it enthusiasitcally. I probably would even watch it, along with all my fellow pathetic sports junkies who'll sit and watch any Olympic event. I'd probably even watch some of the feature stories about what a "Battle with Mother Nature" it is, and how the guy had to overcome all kinds of adversity to get there, and how advanced the fishing pole technology has become. I'd sit there watching and thinking, "man, I think this dude's about to catch a fish," and even get into it.

But then when the Hockey game comes on MSNBC...
Last edited by wraggArm
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
I don't think a person that mentions they don't care for Curling on a message board would qualify them as being ignorant.

Question... If shuffleboard were played in the Olympics, would it be summer or winter Olympics? People can enjoy watching almost anything.

I did like the comment from one of those Curling guys... "There's a lot of Beer involved"... And that came from the Canadian team. Curling is a BIG deal in Canada.

Finally, maybe this will clear up the issue of Athletics or Sports. It's not called the Olympic Athletics or Winter Sports... It is appropriately named the Olympic Games. In this case... The Winter Games! So there is no reason to argue about how those games qualify as athletics or sport.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by PGStaff:
It's not called the Olympic Athletics or Winter Sports... It is appropriately named the Olympic Games. In this case... The Winter Games! So there is no reason to argue about how those games qualify as athletics or sport.


I don't think we need a reason to debate the relevance of events as sports, if that's what we want to do here. I don't believe we're trying to validate the event's title. Imagine if they were so abitious as to call it "The Perfect Olympic Games", or something silly like that. You'd never get everyone convinced.
Last edited by wraggArm
igballigball500+ posts
If I was to be serious about it for a minute, I would prefer watching practically any sport or contest that has amateurs involved. The excitement of watching their emotions (even if all they are doing is sweeping perfectly clean ice) is way way better than watching millionaires drape their Armani shoulders in Old Glory.

For example, I would prefer watching college hockey players get killed for 50 Olympics with the hope of a once in a lifetime Lake Placid event than watching whoever the current flavor "Dream Teamers" are preen for the cameras.

And how did Olympic tenure come into such vogue? It seems I've watch that skater Ono go in circles more over the years than Ted Kennedy.
Last edited by igball
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by PGStaff:
I don't think a person that mentions they don't care for Curling on a message board would qualify them as being ignorant.


If you read dub's post he's either "baiting" or ignorant. Pick the poison. If he doesn't fall into the "ignorant" definition below then he's baiting.

quote:
1. ignorant - uneducated in the fundamentals of a given art or branch of learning; lacking knowledge of a specific field

2. ignorant - unaware because of a lack of relevant information or knowledge.


If you don't like the sport so be it, but don't rip the game and the participants. In this case it's not the "like or dislike" of the game I have issue with, it's the public ridicule of those who participates or enjoy this game or any other form of physical activity they might partake in.

and then follow up with...
quote:
...like I said if a pregnant woman can do it, then well, enough said. I'm not in a bubble - just a realist.


I can't wait for the moms here to pipe in...........enough said.

FWIW- I've had opportunities to curl a few times in my life and never enjoy it.
Last edited by rz1
D dub-L-play10+ posts
OK RZ, so I'm ignorant - curling is still shuffle board on ice - (I think they play that on Senior Cruise ships) don't they?

I would prefer to see speed skating with brooms. I can still make fun of a game that requires you to be able drink and sweep at the same time. When they start to get endorsement offers from Nike, then I will eat my words and say yes, it was great you spent all your time learning to sweep... until then I will make fun of it. And if you can't tell I am poking fun at you, get a beer and broom and relax.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by igball:
If I was to be serious about it for a minute, I would prefer watching practically any sport or contest that has amateurs involved. The excitement of watching their emotions (even if all they are doing is sweeping perfectly clean ice) is way way better than watching millionaires drape their Armani shoulders in Old Glory.

For example, I would prefer watching college hockey players get killed for 50 Olympics with the hope of a once in a lifetime Lake Placid event than watching whoever the current flavor "Dream Teamers" are preen for the cameras.

And how did Olympic tenure come into such vogue? It seems I've watch that skater Ono go in circles more over the years than Ted Kennedy.
The definition of amateur status as it relates to the Olympics was a long time question until the amateur concept was tossed out the window. The focal point of the debate was the USSR hockey team. We're these guys amateurs because they were the Red Army hockey team? They were given the perks of special people. They were talented enough to step right into the NHL as they defected. Vladislav Tretiak was possibly the greatest goalie in the history of hockey. It was a joke to call him an amateur.

Track and skiing stars were placing their endorsement money and competition winnings into trusts to maintain their amateur status. The communist country athletes were supported very well and trained free by their countries. There was nothing amateur about the athletes.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
sooooo...the guy who says this:

quote:

dub

as was posted above you are totally ignorant o fwhat goes on in the real world


about a guy who challenged Curling, also says this:

quote:

If "ice fishing" becomes an Olympic Sport will flasks be part of the permitted equipment?


about Ice Fishing. Which High Horse are you gonna ride?
Last edited by wraggArm
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by dub-L-play:
...get a beer and broom and relax.


Trust me, I am relaxed, I rarely drink, and my wife insists I haven't touched a broom in years.

We do have one thing in common, neither one of us particularly likes curling as a game. The one thing I think I have learned about you from our "back-n-forth" is that you are the guy in the stands that laughs at the least talented kid on the LL team, the one that thinks its funny when an older person gets confused, and you grew up making smaller people cry because it was fun. All I can say is you don't have to like the game, but respect the pulse behind it.

I really do hope I've read you wrong dub, and I apologize if I did.

rz1 is out.
P Prime91,000+ posts
quote:
I would prefer to see speed skating with brooms. I can still make fun of a game that requires you to be able drink and sweep at the same time.


The best line yet.... wish I had said it!


So I tried to throw it at him, and messed up my arm. Now I'm a Rag-Arm. (Quote)

Wraggarm ... that's priceless; almost we weed myself!
Last edited by Prime9
2Bmom2Bmom1,000+ posts
Regarding amateurism, I read somewhere that the modern Olympics excluded professionals primarily to keep out the riff-raff. They wanted it to be a contest of "gentlemen," and of course these gents didn't want to get their backsides handed to them by someone of a lower social class.

I want to see the best. In many of these sports, an athlete would have to be independently wealthy to participate at a high level as a true amateur. Let them get their sponsorships and compete!

rz, as a mom who spent 30 hours in labor and declined medication as I brought my perfect little infielder into this world 16 years ago, I've been trying to think of a comeback for Dub. All I can say is that curling probably isn't the only thing a pregnant woman can do that he can't. Razz

Besides, you anti-curling men must not have been watching at noon today. That dark haired chick from Switzerland (I think) is HOT!
Last edited by 2Bmom
P Prime91,000+ posts
quote:
The attitude of many of those in the warmer parts of the Country about Curling is embarrassing.


rz1, I didn't mean to embarrass you but you really didn't have to attack my southern heritage because I commented on curling. To tell the truth, if on the IOC I would push for a Chili Cook-off or better yet, a Fish Fry competition.

By the way, embarrassing is how I would describe the behavior of the majority of Yankee fans last time I was there.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by 2Bmom:
That dark haired chick from Switzerland (I think) is HOT!


That does it. Now its time to dispense with the sniping and get serious. We need some background info on this. Let's get some photo's in here, ASAP. We need to create a new fan base.

GOTWOOD4SALE - wake up.

Need to see the Canadian thrower, too. I hear good things.
Last edited by wraggArm
rz1rz15,000+ posts
Wragg,

dub never insulted me personally or said anything that would make a dent in my life. It was just an observation to his sensitivity toward people in general, and specifically those who have a passion for something he doesn't care for, or meet with his high standard of excellence. I do have a history of rooting for and backing up the little guy. That is my passion.

You on the other hand sir, you hit close to my home with

quote:
Originally posted by wraggArm:
"...and messing with retards."


Maybe that's why you didn't see the personality inference, the mirror got in the way
Last edited by rz1
zombywoofzombywoof1,000+ posts
None of these olympic sports are worth watching except maybe hockey. But even that's watered down badly with NHL players making up the teams and scattering off for two weeks playing for different countries. Curling? please..How can anybody call sweeping a rock on ice a real sport or someone going down an ice ramp in a sled. The sledding part looks fun but as a competitive olympic sport? Cmon. They should build those sled tracks at a park so the kids could have fun on a snow day off from school..The only time it was fun to watch the olympics was during the cold war when the US hated the Russians and wanted to beat them at any game that was played. Especially since the Russians were all pros and we sent in amateurs. When we beat them, it made them mad. Today with foreign athletes playing in American sports leagues, there's no heated rivalry. Look at the NHL. Players go back to their countries and play against their teamates in the olympics. There's no rivalry there and with the USSR down, there's no Good vs Evil like what the 1980 hockey game v.the Russians represented.

The olympics are a waste...To you folks who are into it, that's your thing but it's not for this cat.
Last edited by zombywoof
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by dub-L-play:
Hey that pic of the gal curler - she looks like she could be a he! or a drag queen.


I dunno, dub-L. I'm kind of digging the look. I don't understand it. She looks like trouble with the tongue thingy, and she's probably screaming something that sounds like, "yaaaarr!" But its somehow working...
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by zombywoof:
None of these olympic sports are worth watching except maybe hockey. But even that's watered down badly with NHL players making up the teams and scattering off for two weeks playing for different countries.


Whoa. I can't leave this one alone. Disclaimer: Zombie, I'm usually a big fan of your in-your-face posts. But you're wrong about this one. "Watered down" is the complete opposite of what happens when you let pros play Olympic Hockey.

It may violate the amateur spirit, it may cheat some great collegiate talent out of competing in the Olympics. But the one thing it does do is create one of the purest competitions of the best-of-the-best on an International level. For a short time, the best in the world drop everything financial and go play to represent their countries. And each country sends the best NHL players they've got. If you think what you're watching is "watered down Hockey," then you're not a Hockey fan.

I'm OK with the idea of kicking pros out of the Olympics for altruistic reasons. But if they do, then I'm an advocate for the Professional Olympics. And I'll be absolutely glued to the tube for those two weeks.
Last edited by wraggArm
zombywoofzombywoof1,000+ posts
I maybe using the term "watered down" in the wrong context and not making my point. It's about the Olympics themselves and the games that make up the olympics that turn me off to it. While the hockey IMO is the only sport worth watching, olympic hockey doesn't excite me as far as Americans going for the gold since many of the hockey players already play in the NHL and when they go back to their country and play in the olympics, I don't see the rivalries against other countries. It's more like an all-star exhibition and the winner gets the gold. Not to take anything away from the hockey games themselves because the greatest players in the world are competing but many of them already play in the same league playing for the stanley cup. There are no more of those country rivalries that was there years ago and that has watered down the olympics.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
I think this is probably the last Winter Olympics that the NHL will cooperate with the I.O.C. They don't get enough out of it to justify stopping their season for two weeks. They don't get visibility or much credit, its a big headache for them to manage the hole in the season, and they risk getting players hurt. The Hockey analysts on ESPN have been talking about this a lot lately.

So it may well go back to what you're wanting to see. Different story with Basketball.
Last edited by wraggArm
rz1rz15,000+ posts
I went with my son last night to the bowling alley where he was saying his good-byes before he headed out to 5 HS baseball buddies who bowl in a league. They sukked, got their a$$ handed to them, but were competitive to the end, were not happy losing, but went down as a team. It was fun to watch the juices flow. Then we went in the bar and watched the Games and they started playing trivia about the Olympics, questions like "name the spins in ice skating" "how many gates in the giant salaam", "how tall is the half pipe", "how much does a stone weigh". They had a book with all the answers, they took turns asking questions, answers were written down, and points were given for the closest answers. This went on for over two hours, and it sounded like the super bowls was in progress. In the end, there was a metal presentation which was 3 pints of various qualities of beer. What surprised how much knowledge they had about the other sports, their interest in them, and their patriotism.

After my guts stopped hurting from laughter I started to wonder if it is true that age closes your mind to examine new things in a fresh way. They did not follow these sports year round, except for the Games, but had a genuine interest. The question is for the older folks here....

When you were 25 did you have the same feelings about the Olympic events and/or the Olympics in general, and if your opinion changed, Why?

btw- I had to be the judge last night. I thought they might think I was out of their league, and a pro. They said they considered me professional because I've probably had the opportunity to attend every Olympic since Greece. Eek

I'm going to move this away from the recent carnage and get a fresh take of the Olympics yesterday and today in a new thread
Last edited by rz1
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
quote:
When you were 25 did you have the same feelings about the Olympic events and/or the Olympics in general, and if your opinion changed, Why?


rz,

At 25 I had no interest and would not watch things like the Winter Olympics. Don't know if it's normal, but the older I get, lots of things are more interesting than they used to be. Then there are other things that become more boring.
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