Here is a great story about a blind 17 year old Paralympian young lady who just won a swimming gold.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/29/sport/paralympics-anastasia-pagonis-gold-medal-trnd/index.html
@coyote I understand WHY the Olympics are held the way they are ... picking host nations, and all that comes with that ... but I have felt for years that there should be one summer location, one winter location, and it's their job to prepare and host. An Olympic committee with reps from all the nations working together in one space to pull it off, rather than wasting billions of dollars on structures, all the disruptions, the environmental impact, the impact on local infrastructure, etc.
2 Afghan Paralympic athletes made it to Tokyo to participate in the games with international help. That is an amazing feast. One was a woman which is even more amazing. Not sure what will happen to them after the games.
https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1032841998/afghan-athletes-competing-tokyo-paralympic-games
I'm not wishing the Games will be disrupted, but the instability of the world right now is something to consider. The way western Germany and Belgium were hit by catastrophic flooding this summer, there's nothing guaranteeing that that can't happen in Paris right before their opening ceremony. So I'm keeping in mind that linearity is an illusion...
Best story I have read in...eons.
When I read it. I felt that it is a perfect example of where humanity is moving towards. This is the type of world I want to live an and the type of world I believe humanity is moving toward.
The number 1 ranked World Champion Speed Skater Erin Jackson missed out on making the U.S. Olympic team because of a slip during the qualifying trials. Her teammate Brittany Bowe, who won the event, gave up her spot, allowing Jackson to make the team.
I am so happy both skaters will be on the team and compete in their best events.
The actions of Bowie will inspire countless other individuals. She will be a pebble thrown into a pond, the ripples will reach far and wide.
Well, this has been quite the Olympics so far.
Lots of controversy.
Some great highlights. Mental health challenges. Covid upheaval. China controversy and Russian doping, again.
Biles and Vonn rallying around Mikeala Shiffrin and addressing mental health, that was awesome.
Kamila Valievas doping controversy which may lead to US team gold medal. Medal ceremony still delayed.
Major issues with athlete covid quarantine conditions. Horrible food, no internet, no training equipment and dirty rooms.
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/06/1078570937/olympic-athletes-covid-isolation
Another China created Olympic controversy. Canadian born athlete hockey player for China, not allowed to take questions in English. ( I have no desire to visit China right now ever). There are so many other places I would rather spend my future tourist vacation dollars in.
Major ski jumping suite controversy.
Loved watching Shawn White. Really proud of him and his forth place finish.
Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst became the first athlete ever to win an individual gold medal in five Olympics
Nathan Chen, I closed my eyes while watching.
Loved the Mixed Team Ariels. Wow! First time Olympic event and the US won.
Yay Chloe Kim and Lindsey Jacobellis.
There is actually a lot to celebrate about the Olympics. SO many beautiful stories, in spite of the government of China being...China.
Between being in the hospital and convalescing at home I’ve been watching much more of the games than I thought I would. I’m happy for Jacobellis. I remember her wiping out just before the finish line 16 years ago.
I’m happy for Jacobellis. I remember her wiping out just before the finish line 16 years ago.
I know! That happened so many years ago too. I am happy for her also.
Glad you can watch them this year. There is always something positive to find in them. I hope you will be. much improved by the time they are finished @Coyote.
I wrote about Erin Jackson above.
The rest of the story happened today. I will not spoil it but...
To me, this is the story of the Olympics. After the race it airs tonight, I can't wait to share my thoughts because I really want to talk about it.
And I just love the continued story with Jacobellis and her teammate Nick Baumgartner yesterday? What a story!!!
Their story I will post below for those who haven't seen it. For Erin, I will wait for those who would like to see it for themselves first.
If I were Sha'Carri Richardson I would also be upset. The rules need to apply to everyone. Especially Russia who is already in trouble for doping.