Week in Review 20240812

Well the Olympics are over and I get to replay the same quadrennial nonsense that I always do: casual dismissal prior to the games, followed by growing emotional investment as I watch more and more events, followed by a crash after the closing ceremonies. You’d think I’d learn my pattern and change, but it’s my own four year tradition so why stop now.

I got a one month subscription to NBC’s Peacock for the games, and it turned out to be the best way to follow the Olympics. After 30+ years, they finally cracked the code. They had an Olympic version of NFL’s RedZone appropriately called GoldZone and it was magnificent. Up to 6 events showing at the same time, with focus going to the events where action was happening and commentary by a sports broadcasting professional appropriately hyping the event and laying out the stakes, no matter what the competition was or who was involved.

If you have a brain like mine, it was the most satisfying way to watch the Olympics that I’ve ever had in my life, since there was little to no downtime. When they were showcasing a particular event, it would naturally get to the point where I’d normally pick up my phone and then they’d move to something else. I can’t say enough good things about it.

And I can’t say enough good things about the Paris 2024 Olympics. The city itself did half the work on its own. You can’t miss with some of the most beautiful architecture in the world as a backdrop for competition, but the way they were used and dressed for the events was very well done. Fencing in the Grand Palais, equestrian events at Versailles, and the cycling & road races winding through some of the most historic Parisian areas with the Eiffel Tower dominating the backdrop.

And the vibes of this Olympics were out of this world and sorely needed at this point in history. It was refreshing to see athletes who still have the desire to win, but also support their teammates and competitors. The Olympic gymnasts are now confident women who support each other, instead of starved waifs abused and frightened into performing at all costs by an oppressive system. I saw two American men during the marathon high-five when they met up during the race instead of casually ignoring each other. During the Pole Vault, and American was hyping up the crowd and cheering on a member of the Swedish team to go for a record height.

It was great to see positivity and healthy competitive spirit in full force at these games. Maybe there’s just something magical about Paris or perhaps the youth of the world have seen what we’ve created and collectively decided, “yeah nah.”

Whatever the case, it was one of the best Olympics I’ve seen during my half-century on this globe and I’m looking forward to LA2028.