Top 10 Olympic Events

The Olympics are here, and I find myself thinking that if I lean forward off my chair, that I can influence the outcome of the race. The pride you get from your country taking the gold, silver, or bronze medal in any sporting event can be overwhelming. I know that just having the games on the TV while I am trying to fall asleep makes it impossible to drift off quickly. I just have to know if Michael Phelps and the boys are going to win the gold, so my head pops off the pillow every five minutes to catch a peek. Here are my favorite 10 Olympic events and the reasons why you have to watch.

1.Gymnastics. There is always some great story behind someone on the team. You expect the Chinese Powerhouse to win every time, and they usually do. They are just that good. I also deep down hope there is a spectacular fall, which will catapult the Team USA to the top of the standings.

2. Womens Volleyball. These are some of the toughest, and physically fit women in sports, with the smallest uniforms as well. A definite ratings boost.

3. Swimming. I like the fact that these athletes train their whole lives, putting countless hours in the pool, rain or shine, and in a few minutes I feel just as good as they do by winning the gold. I really feel like I also should get my medal in the mail.

4. Basketball. It doesn’t hurt to know that you have the greatest athletes in the world all playing together for your team. This brings up the debate on allowing Professionals into the Olympics, but as long as we win, I will just look the other way.

5. Water polo. I played water polo in high school and I can tell you that back then, just like today, not many people watch water polo. The running joke then was that the hardest part of playing water polo was getting the horse into the water. For those of you that have never seen water polo, there are no horses in the water. These athletes are sprinting non stop and they never touch the bottom of the pool. It is tougher than it looks.

6. Synchronized Swimming. I just find it amazing that they can not only hold their breath that long under water, but they seem to be flawlessly connected in their maneuvers. When they are on, it is a beauty to behold.

7. Synchronized Diving. It just seemed right to synchronize these two events together. Don’t you find yourself becoming a world class judge within minutes of watching. Oh, you just have to deduct 2/10th of a point because the one on the left just couldn’t keep her feet together on the first somersault. And they were over extended on the entry, you just can’t argue with that.

8. This was a toss up between Badminton and Table Tennis, but since I loved Forrest Gump, I am going to lean towards Table Tennis. These “Athletes” are so good, with one wrong move you could actually put an eye out. It hasn’t happened yet, but I am still waiting for that one on you-tube.

9. Track and Field. I just lump these all together, whether it is hurdles, pole vaulting, or the sprinters. Still, leaning forward doesn’t really help them win the race, but I think that it really can’t hurt.

10. Boxing. That is the way to get your aggression out. The Olympics are more about the technical aspects of fighting, not just knocking someone out. But it is cool when they do. Who will be the next Sugar Ray Leonard? Only time will tell.

There should be another category for announcers. Bob Costas could make me watch the annual Jello bake off. He is truly the most entertaining host of our time. What is on your list? Let me know.