The Olympics has taken over my life. From the moment the smoke bang French Flag appeared, I was locked in. Headless Marie Antoinette’s and metal, Le Mis, Axelle Saint-Cirel on the Grand Palais roof, athletes floating down the river, a fashion show, drag queens, hot air balloon flame floating over the city, and Celine Dion! Everything my maximalist heart desired was on display. Thomas Jolly and team, magnifique!
All day, everyday I tune in to everything I can. A ridiculously long thread grows on the site formerly known as Twitter. A few Olympic Observations thus far:
-Nike’s “Winning Isn’t For Everyone | Am I A Bad Person” ad is my kind of carrying on.
– Live feeds are superior to prime-time replays. Chill commentary and more athletes to see!
-The filter feature on the schedule at Olympics.com is excellent UX design.
-Peacock is coming through with coverage. Every event with a few clicks.
-Events I’ve watched so far: 3×3 Basketball, 10M Platform Diving – Men’s, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Slalom, Equestrian Dressage, Equestrian Eventing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Race Walking, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing – Skiff, Skateboarding, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis.
-Events I need to see: Artistic Swimming, Breaking, Cycling, more Diving, Handball, Surfing, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting.
-Athletics is upon us. The African Diaspora will be in shambles.
-Hey, you! Stephen Nedoroscik, Frederick Richard, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Rebeca Andrade. We’re so proud of you!!!
-Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles. Respectfully, how the hell do you do that?!
-I don’t feel that the Women’s Gymnastics Team needed to “redeem” themselves from Tokyo. They stepped up when their leader needed rest 3 years ago and this year the greatness is golden.
-The “Golden Girls” make the best TikTok’s.
-Leon Marchand is a problem in the pool for everyone.
-Australia is a problem in the pool for the United States.
-I’m rooting for Qatar in Men’s Beach Volleyball. Keep the upsets rolling.
-The only thing I understand in Fencing is “En garde!” and that’s okay.
-Chinese divers barely disturb the surface of the water, most pleasing to see.
-Steve Kornacki, khakis, digital board = serious business.
-Competitive spirit is cool, camaraderie among nations will always warm my heart.
Nine more days to go. You can find me cheering, clapping, and waving my arms in public and at home. Enjoy the excellence, watch every event you can, avoid the animosity and anger, revel in the joy. “Citius – Altius – Fortius.”
Olympic Observations: Week 1
