Olympic Dreamin'

I’m obsessed with the Olympics. Ever since I was a kid (and there were only 3 channels) I become a fan of every sport in the Olympics, wanting to watch nothing but that. Even today, when I have 500 channels and a DVR, the only thing on TV for me during these two weeks is the Olympics.  I had the privilege of being in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics and, being young and without children at the time, I took great advantage of them.  I can attest that particularly the Jamaicans and Irish absolutely know how to celebrate.
 
In 1996, too, I had many friends in Public Relations working different aspects of the Olympics. Some of it was “grunt work” of handing out flags or client-branded pencils to passerby, but what a great professional experience nevertheless. The atmosphere in the Olympic venues was wonderful.  
 
Here are my favorite Winter Olympic events to watch on TV:

Snowboarding/Half-pipe: OK, so I admit I have a completely age-inappropriate crush on Shaun White ever since that Fast Company cover story last year. But that’s not the only reason I love the sport. It’s just cool. Something I never was. So maybe watching it makes me just a fraction cooler? I watch the X-Games for the same reason. I can’t wait for its Freestyle Snowmobiling to make it to the Olympics!  
 
Biathalon: This sport is simply primal. Shooting at a target, racing through the snow, then shooting at another target. You can just see that the origins of this sport obviously spurred from necessity vs. the want for a game. I can imagine cave men with spears trudging through the snow and tossing spears at the animals for food. But you had to be the fastest and the sharpest shooter to feed your family or the spoils went to someone else.
 
Freestyle Arial: These are the high jump skiers who then flip themselves around in the air and land like they are just getting out of bed, nice and easy. I wish I had the moxie to try a sport like this. But the closest I’ll ever come is the big slide at the playground, I think.
 
Short Track (Speed Skating): This is fun to watch because it’s rock and roll on skates. Roller derby on ice. The bumping, the elbows, the crashes and the occasional bloody gash all make for constant entertainment.
 
The Fashion: I LOVE all the uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren, etc.  The snowboarder pants on the U.S. team this year win, however, for coolest uniform.

What's your favorite winter Olympic sport?

By Kira Perdue

Comments

[Andy Hagedon]

I heard a radio interview yesterday with a US Curling Team board member who happens to live in SC (not much curling locally, that's one devoted guy). His passion, understanding and ability to plainly explain the sport gave me new appreciation for it! That, and he said in an informal match a beer or scotch is not uncommon.

[MC]

My personal favorite is snowboarding!