Olympic Comments

Lots of talk online about CBC coverage! It has been most enervating trying to follow particular sports as CBC flits about from sport to sport. TSN covers one sport at a time, which is a relief. CBC pops in and about and appears to let the ads govern the timing.

CBC headlines announce the semi-final achievements of our synchronized swimmers, and viewers complain that they are unable to watch it. CBC provides in-depth coverage by Sook-Yin Lee of the music scene in China. She was interviewing musicians, a couple of whom appeared stoned and/or drunk. I am unsure the purpose of kind of coverage. I would love to see more of the ancient culture of the country, and really feel more could be added. The antics of Shaun Majumder are simply puerile.

I admit to being quite disturbed myself. I am quite fed up with the prancing of Usain Bolt, and agree with IOC president Jacques Rogge that it is disrespectful of other competitors. What seems to be happening is that even 2nd place finishers take the flag and strut around the field. This does not seem to be the Olympic Spirit of competition. I agree with him. When will this stop? We see repeat after repeat of one event, and give little attention to our Canadian athletes.

Media coverage ranges from in-depth analysis of the 100 and 200-metre events, to the ignoring of other sports. Retired track athletes Ms. Edah and Mr. Bailey's CBC shot-by-shot commentary means very little to Olympic sports fans like myself. At the time this was broadcast there were other sports going on and we see little of these. I do not understand the focus.

The judging has been difficult to watch. I think that the only thing an athlete can do is understand that s/he did the best job possible and some things are out of control. Corruption is a symptom of the lack of Olympic ideals. If only we could simply watch the sports in which we have some interest, turn off the sound and forget the medal count.