When the Olympics began this summer I wasn't a huge Phelps fan. His attitude and acts as a person overshadowed his acts as a heroic and iconic American athlete.
I changed my mind.
When I saw him tearing up on the medal stand halfway through his record-breaking medal run I came to realize that I don't care that he's made mistakes in his personal life. It's no different than any other celebrity who is monitored 24/7. We all screw up, they just can't hide it.
He's still not my favorite American swimmer, but I definitely respect and appreciate him more after watching him the past several days. I certainly am proud that he's wearing the red white and blue and representing our country so well in front of the biggest global audience.
On a kind of related note, the opening ceremony in Beijing was the most awesome thing I've ever seen on TV. It makes me want to have as much money as China so I could have sweet ceremonies like that on a whim.
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On another side note, I think Adventure Racing should be an Olympic sport. It teaches important survival skills and promotes personal fitness and outdoor recreation. Much like triathlon.
Wow...I haven't gotten my Olympics fix in several days, but hopefully soon I can make up for all that I missed by going on a couch sitting/athletics-watching binge over the next few days! And yes, I give Phelps a ton of credit for what he's achieved. I'm also glad to see him sporting the red, white, and blue. But he's still kind of an idiot and I would have liked to see some other American swimmers get some of the media's attention. It's all enough to make one wonder if we're each born with the natural ability to do such great things and some can harness it easier than others, or if it's actually the case that some people naturally make up for their shortcomings in one aspect of life by excelling in others...two different takes on it, but one big question mark.
It would help if I actually had a couch or something to sit on though - the roommate that was bringing livingroom furniture has not arrived yet. Until then, I've got an area rug on the floor to lay on...really comfortable, let me tell you.
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