Monday, July 30, 2012

Phelps Is Still King

The news of Michael Phelps' 4th place finish in the 400 IM on Saturday hurt. It may sound silly but I felt like I had been betrayed by a good friend. Phelps has been so inspirational to me and many swimmers over the last 12 years. To see him not as sharp as you know he can be is painful. To see him lose once to Ryan Lochte in the Olympics and then have the media crown Lochte as the new king of swimming is inexcusable though. I really want to like Lochte but I just continue to struggle with his so-called carefree attitude, which really only comes across as arrogance to me. I mean, the guy designed his on shoes so when they are wet and he walks on dry pavement their tread mark is Ryan on one foot and Lochte on another. So cool, I mean lame.

Tonight though the new "king of swimming" couldn't hold onto a body length lead as anchor in the 4 free relay. It was a stunning lead for the Americans, and it all slipped away through Lochte's fingers. In my book, Lochte was not yet the new king and I hope those who thought he was have relegated him to prince for now.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Middle of Nowhere

Romney had a gaffe today about the London Olympics. In an interview with Brian Williams of NBC, Romney questioned London's readiness to host the Olympics. Romney's decision to insult the host country while in that country, the first to host him in his first major international trip since becoming the presumptive Republican nominee is most unfortunate for him. Like other gaffes, this will blow over eventually, but I just loved Prime Minister David Cameron's response. From The Guardian:
David Cameron wasted no time in rebuking Romney hours after his remarks were broadcast. On a visit to the Olympic Park, the prime minister said: "We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere."


That hurts a little.

Monday, July 09, 2012