As yet another Greek-American, I think it's pathetic that Greece is being criticized for taking advantage of this IOC rule. Why not?

Olympic athletes have been representing other countries for years. I can remember when I was a kid, hearing of some swimmers training @ Univ of Miami, who were going to represent some other country...and we're taking 30 some years ago!

For years, athletes have tried to "cheat" their way onto Olympic teams - they dont' care who they represent, just that they are AT THE OLYMPICS.

Remember the movie Muriel's Wedding? A South African swimmer wanted to marry ANY Australian, so he could compete in the Olympics. Same thing.

So, why pick on Greece? It's the athletes who are trying out for these teams that should be criticized. OR should they? If you've trained all your life for one shot, and you could legally have a chance to win, wouldn't you go for it too?

Since there is a movement to make Chess into an olympic sport, you never know.

Have you seen that they're trying to make Poker a sport on the Olympics?
Also, did ballroom dancing become an Olympic sport?

On a different note: I have the Sports Illustrated Olympic Issue with me & it is got to be one of the better ones. Yeah they do focus a lot on the American athletes but there's this really neat section that speculates and talks about who the favorites are to win the events. It's really neat. Plus, there's also talk as to who on earth is going to light the torch. That's always fun to watch & I'm getting excited for this Friday.
I'll be moved in & my cable hooked up so I can hole myself up in my room & watch.
Honestly, I'm one of those people that keep the TV on almost 24/7. The opening games are always fun & my poor boyfriend is going to have to stay & watch with me instead of going out.
I'm rooting for the US mens & womens gymnastics team & I'm really hoping that we have an American woman win the gold all-around medal. The first & last one we had was Mary Lou Retton so I think we're due. It's been 20 years!

Who is the favorite to win badminton, both men and women?

Gymnastics for me!
 

I will definitely be watching the gymnastics, both men and women. The only time the men have ever medaled was 1984 which was boycotted by the Soviet Union (COLD WAR was still going on!)

Mo (her nickname) from the women's team was selling raffle tickets to raise money for her gymnastics training. (I was one for sixteen years....BIG BUCK$$!!!) Pamela Anderson gave her a $20,000 donation towards her Olympic Dream. I was so excited to see her get a spot on the women's team.

They left FOUR Women's World Championship team members off the 2004 Olympic Team. This is an older and much more experienced team than we have ever sent.

As for Blaine Wilson from the men's team, STOP TALKING ABOUT HIM! I would rather hear about the Hamm twins or Jason Gatson who has had his right knee reconstructed TWICE(!!!!!) who are on the Men's Team. Both times Jason blew his knee out in comptetitions. It is unheard of to come back and compete at this level from that type of injury.

Okay....enough from me!

GO USA!

4 MORE DAYS!!!

FYI: i don't know if anyone mentioned it yet, but the different countries will march into the olympic stadium according to the greek alphabet order.

I wonder how you spell Canada in Greek? *ponders*

It is becoming an Olympic sport. I *think* last Olympics was it's exhibition year and this year is it's first official year.

Now, I'm a classically trained dancer (though not ballroom) and I understand the physicality of it. However, it is NOT a sport! It's completely artistic. I know people think that ice skating is all artistic, but there are actual steps/elements that have to be included and have certain point values. In ballroom dancing it's all up to the judges and nothing is required. I just don't see it as a sport...but I will be watching if it gets TV coverage! ;)

KANADA.

Now I don't speak Greek, so I have no idea how United States of America is spelled in Greek.

I LOVE MO!!!! (Mohini Bhardwaj) I too am happy to see actual women competing in gymnastics. I love you forever Olga Korburt but dang!! The elfen midget takeover was too much. I speak of this as a former competitive gymnast and coach. It was nice to see Kelly Garrison and Kathy Johnson awhile ago. Brandy Johnson was refreshing too. I'll be watching the gymnastics of course. I agree with you regarding China.

I'm excited to see LeBron James in Action as a member of the USA Basketball Team. I'm looking forward to that along with the Track and Field Competition.

But, I'm Disappointed there will be no USA Baseball team for this year's event. :(

I'm disappointed about baseball's failure to make the Olympics as well. It was good seeing prospects on a big stage for the first time.

I really enjoy watching the Olympics -- and I love cheering for Lithuania's basketball team. :)

I met Long Jumper Dwight Phillips in Las Vegas in December. He was such a sweet guy and I hope he takes the gold!

I'm also looking forward to swimming.

co-sign.