The World’s Greatest Athlete Grew Up In Hawaii

“You, sir, are The World’s Greatest Athlete.”

–King Gustav V of Sweden to Jim Thorpe after he won the 1912 Olympic decathlon in Stockholm

It’s a sign of the times, I guess, when The World’s Greatest Athlete, Olympic decathlon champ Bryan Clay, takes a back seat to platform diving and beach volleyball. But I’m sure that NBC crunched the numbers and knew what they were doing when it comes to making money.

But what kind of world is it when The World’s Greatest Athlete has to practically beg to be put on the front of the Wheaties box?

A crazy, mixed-up world, that’s what it is.… Read the rest

Dress Code Violation

When historians look back on the U.S. National Basketball team’s 2008 Olympic final victory over Spain, many will point toward Kobe Bryant’s commandeering of the game after the Spanish trimmed the U.S. lead to two points early in the 4th quarter. In particular, they will cite Bryant’s timely 4-point play as the stroke that finally felled the pesky Spaniards.

They will be wrong. It was actually the point where the camera panned across the row of rowdy Spanish male fans dressed in drag. I knew at that moment that it was over.

The basketball gods will not be mocked.

Somewhere, James Naismith is smiling.… Read the rest

Pepperdine Makes A Splash In Beijing

I would be remiss as a fledgling Olympic commentator if I failed to mention the U.S. Men’s Water Polo team which has made an extraordinary run into the gold medal match Sunday against Hungary after a stunning 10-5 victory over Serbia.

I really know next-to-nothing about the sport (I’m sorry, but those little bonnets they wear are just so cute), but when a 9th-seeded team makes it to the final in any sport, it’s big news.

Hey, and how about this, albeit very loose, Church of Christ connection–the team is powered by several Pepperdine University players, including the keeper, Merrill Moses (notice the proper Biblical name), and coached by Pepperdine assistant and alumn, Terry Schroeder.… Read the rest

It’s Always Something

Clipped hurdles. Lane violations and DQs. Leading in the final turn only to come up empty in the homestretch.

And the most egregious offense of all, the one that symbolizes everything that could possibly go wrong–dropped batons by both the men and the women in the 4 x 100 relay.

For the U.S. Track and Field team in this Olympiad, it’s like Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say: “It just goes to show you, it’s always something.”

U.S. Track and Field has heard the great hue and cry of the American people and responded.

Still, a little perspective is in order.… Read the rest

Deontay Update

Tuscaloosa’s Deontay Wilder fought and lost in the semifinals of the heavyweight division on Friday to the well-seasoned Italian Clemente Russo, 7-1.

Wilder was the last U.S. boxer left standing and will bring back the bronze medal. Along the way, he fought well, conducted himself with great class and brought a lot of attention to spina bifida, the disease which affects his young daughter.

Many feel his professional prospects are bright, but first it’s back to college to complete his business degree.

Well done, Deontay.

… Read the rest

“Enhanced” Gymnastics?

Yesterday I went over to the gym for a quick elliptical trainer workout at lunch. While there, I was forced to watch equestrian and rhythmic gymnastics. The lady on the trainer next to me was really into it–and she had the remote.

I told her my whole life story, including the part about the little speeding ticket that I got fixed back in ’91, tossed her my Audi keys and blurted out the password to my bank account just so she would change the channel.

I wonder if Dick Cheney has ever thought about giving those a whirl?

… Read the rest

Bolt Bolts To Second Gold Medal

Sorry. I had to use that one because “lightning strikes twice” was already taken–about a gazillion times.

And this time he even ran through the tape (somebody probably gave him a talking to after the 100-meter showboating).

Yeah, he’s cocky, but mon, can he ever back it up! I like him, and I’m not going to jump on the old fogey bandwagon and start dumping on him. He’s young, on the biggest stage in the world, and he’s totally in charge. The other runners don’t seem put off by his antics at all, but instead seem to like him and enjoy being seen on the same stage with him.… Read the rest

A Ping From Beijing

I just received a ping from Beijing.

Politburo? Chinese secret police? Margaret Hoelzer?

Nope. Just THT‘s intrepid man-on-the-ground in Beijing, Mark McCarter:

Mike…Thanks for making my coverage part of your site, and for the nice plugs.

All the best…Mark

My pleasure, Mark; you’ve done a great job over there. I hope all that beach volleyball hasn’t stressed you out too much.

Give my regards to LeBron and Kobe, wouldya?

… Read the rest