Beijing: 08-08-2008

Alright, I did a search and I couldn't find a thread already started for Beijing 2008, so I figured it might be a good time to start one since it's only a little over a month away.

We're keeping a close eye on Bryan Clay in the Decathlon. He's not only the hometown favorite, but he's also the cousin of one of my dear HS buddies. Bryan took Silver in Athens four years ago. We knew that the punk would go places, so the Olympics is no surprise!

Who are your Olympic favorites this year?

[srmom]

I have a number of friends who are sailing in different events:

Anna Tunnicliffe in Laser Radials

http://www.annatunnicliffe.com/

Sally Barkow, Carrie Howe, and Debbie Capozi in Women's Keel Boat (Ynglings)

http://www.team7sailing.com/componen...page/Itemid,1/

And Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogletree in Men's multi hull (Tornados)

http://www.t-squaredracing.com/

http://olympics.ussailing.org/The_Team/John_Lovell.htm

I have sailed agains those gals for a number of years, and they are all awesome. (I also know some women who are sailing for other countries, but I can hardly cheer for them!!)

I have been sailing with Johnny's wife for many years, and have been through the last two Olympics with them. They are some of my dearest friends!!! He won a silver medal in Athens. This will be his fourth (and last!!) Olympics. I am really hoping that he and Charlie can do as well as last time!!!

[AGDee]

I've been watching some of the swimming trials and track trials. I'm so impressed by the 41 year old female swimmer! She's amazing.

Personally, I can't imagine spending as much time on a sport as these Olympic hopefuls do. Anybody who even makes it to the trials is impressive to me!

[KSigkid]

Two women from my high school are competing for the US, one in rowing (who I knew during school) and one in swimming (who I did not know).

[OhSoVeryLadylike]

college buddy Brian Johnson is competing in the long jump. SU!!

I think this weekend was the first time I've ever watched the Swimming and Track and Field Olympic Trials.

Oh, and Dara Torres? WOW. She's 41 years old but still kicking ass!

[lilzetakitten]

Justin Spring, who's on the US men's gymnastics team went to my high school, so I'm cheering for him. I'm also really excited about diving.

[SOPi_Jawbreaker]

Kevin Tan (US men's gymnastics team) is a Penn State grad.

And I too think Dara Torres is pretty impressive.

[barbino]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I've been watching some of the swimming trials and track trials. I'm so impressed by the 41 year old female swimmer! She's amazing.

Personally, I can't imagine spending as much time on a sport as these Olympic hopefuls do. Anybody who even makes it to the trials is impressive to me!

I have to agree with you on the 41 year old female swimmer. She's pretty inspiring. I am really looking forward to the swimming/diving events, the gymnastic events and (especially) all of the Equestrian events. I have not seen any of the trials except the swimming (and that included the 41 year old female).

Starts tomorrow! It's already 08-08-08 in Beijing so I imagine the Opening Ceremonies will be starting in just a few hours.

I saw the final legs of the Olympic Torch Run on the news tonight...screw the masks. One needs a full on suit to survive in that pollution.

ETA: The U.S. Flagbearer has been selected

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- A U.S. athlete who overcame the chaos of war in Sudan to become a middle-distance runner in the United States will carry the American flag during Friday's opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Games.










Lopez Lomong, a 23-year-old competitor in the 1,500-meter race, will lead the U.S. Olympic team as the flagbearer.
Teammates chose him Wednesday, the U.S. Olympic Committee said in a statement. Lomong is a member of Team Darfur, a group of athletes committed to raising awareness about chronic violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan. He was among roughly 3,800 refugees, dubbed the Lost Boys of Sudan by reporters and aid workers, who were resettled in cities across the United States.

[ForeverRoses]

Did anyone notice that Denmark had their men wear Jorts in the opening ceremonies?

[nittanyalum]

^^^LOL. Yes, but Nordic men tend to look good in anything, so they should get a pass, even from the frat-raters.

[DreamfulSpirit]

I'm excited! I actually have the opening ceremonies set on my DVR since I'll be out celebrating! My b/f's college roommate is becoming an official U.S. citizen today...wish I could afford it so that I could become one now....

So yeah...when it comes to the Olympics, I cheer on my two countries: USA and Canada!!

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

^^^LOL. Yes, but Nordic men tend to look good in anything, so they should get a pass, even from the frat-raters.

True, plus that flag bearer could probably take all the frat-raters on single handedly.

I love the Olympics. Two weeks, where almost no work get done!

[tinydancer16]

My sisters' old babysitter/Woodlands (where my dad lives) hometown hero Laura Wilkinson is competing in her third (and according to her, final ) Olympics in women's platform diving -so pumped for her!!