Vancouver 2010

I am a huge fan of the Olympics. But I thought this short video on pushing the limits was quite interesting. Frankly, one of the downsides of the modern Olympics is the pandering to money, whether corporate or TV.

Nonetheless, I will be glued to the TV for two weeks!

Money Printing Machine Called The Olympic Games

One of the most interesting and fun experiences of my life was attending the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. But, I also agree with some Olympic Games historians that the 1984 Olympics were the original corporate games. After Los Angeles was awarded the games, they watched in horror as Montreal lost millions and millions of dollars trying to build stadiums, housing, and accommodate the influx of hundreds of thousands of fans. The head of the LA Olympic Organizing Committee, Peter Uberoth promised Los Angeles would not be left in debt. And he proceeded to sell to corporations every single inch of "real estate" where they could emblazon their names, corporate logos, or entertain swanky clients. In fact, one of my favorite stories of this marketing of the Olympics was with 7-11. The LA Organizing Committee called the head marketers of 7-11 and offered them the chance of a lifetime. If they contributed a bazillion dollars the velodrome would be names the 7-11 Velodrome. "Great, we'll do it," came the reply. A few minutes later the phone rang at the LA Organizing Committee offices. It was 7-11 wanting to know what was a velodrome.

It comes as no surprised then, that the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia, Canada, is already a money printing machine for corporations. If you want tickets to the events, well, forget about it unless you have thousands and thousands of dollars. Most of the tickets are already distributed to corporations who sponsor the Olympic Games. Think about the banks US taxpayers bailed out. They will be wining and dining big time clients at hockey matches, down hill skiing venues, and speed skating.

Back in 1984 it was relatively easy. You called a number, got a booklet, filled out your preferences, and bought tickets for not a lot of money (if I could go...). Now, now it's all about lining someone's pocket. Ticket aggregators have made it virtually impossible for a normal person to see events unless they somehow miraculously win a lottery!

Which isn't to say the idea of the Olympic Games still isn't noble. But it certainly has been corrupted beyond what the modern Olympics should be about.

Rio 2016!

Despite heavy lobbying from even President Obama, Chicago was rejected in it's bid for the 2016 Olympics. Rather, those summer games were awarded to Rio de Janeiro, the first time the Olympic Games will be in South America.

In this country there is a lingering debate whether President Obama should have gone to Copenhagen, Denmark, to lobby for his hometown. After it was announced Rio won the bid, a pundit who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum from President Obama commented that it is appropriate for a President to advocate for commercial interests in his country. And I would agree with that. Unfortunately, the Olympics have been reduced to a commercial interest.

Having been the the summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984, and watching every single Olympiad since birth, I will say they continue to be amazing events where once every four years, for two weeks, the world is able to stop and glorify amazing feats of athleticism. Despite all the corporate sponsorships and mega-money made by athletes from endorsements, the events are still able to capture our collective imaginations. Now I find myself watching the less glamorous events, such as the equestrian, where rider and animal become one, gliding over jumps, trying to match grace and time. But of course, like every other sports junkie, I can not resist Michael Phelps or Dana Torres, the amazing marathoners or the bikini clad beach volleyball spikers.

I can not wait to watch the opening ceremonies from Rio. Congratulations!