I'm not an avid sports fan. I’ve never understood the lure of footbal. lt boggles my mind that some women willingly choose to watch football, even when their husbands aren't home and in control of the remote. I enjoy ice-skating, and have even watched a tennis match or two. But, I must confess, I love the Olympics.
I never know who to cheer for when watching the Olympics. I'm an American, and of course I want to cheer for my fellow countrymen. But, I feel obligated to cheer for Russia and Greece, as these countries have also been a part of my life. To make it easier and fairer, I cheer for everyone.
I loved watching athletes from around the world compete for the Olympic gold. I couldn’t turn my eyes away from the women’s weightlifting event. I worried that without my visual support, their arms would splinter into a thousand jagged pieces as they strained to lift the weights. I watched trampolining and wondered how a backyard toy evolved into an Olympic event.
Many of the modern Olympic events are outdated. The Three Musketeers were the last people who fenced on a daily basis. I think Olympic events should be revised to include modern-day life skills. Living in Greece, I’ve observed several adrenaline-spiking skills that would make great Olympic events. Here are a few suggestions:
Scooter Slalom: Athletes race motor scooters during rush hour traffic, holding a cigarette in one hand and a cell phone in the other. Extra points awarded for balancing a frappe between your knees.
Pedestrian Sprints: Athletes cross six lanes of traffic, without the aid of a crosswalk. Points are given based on quickness, daring, and skill. Points are deducted for blood or loss of limb.
Bus Surfing: Athletes pack into a crowded bus and compete to remain standing for the duration of the ride. Points are awarded for a hands-free ride (no holding on to handrails or seat backs), reading a book while standing, and leaving the bus with your wallet still in your possession.
Rhythmic Honking: Athletes, sitting in cars at a traffic light, compete to honk first when the light turns green. Points are awarded based on quickness, degree of visible aggravation, and the gracefulness of accompanying hand gestures.
What new event would you like to see added to the Olympics?