Summer Olympics: Beijing, China - Page 39

Newfherder · 08-18-2008, 12:35 PM

Disclaimer: This post is not directed at any individuals!! It is a general observation only!

One of my big complaints about the Olympics, or really any event with subjective scoring, is that everyone becomes an instant "expert" in whatever sport they are watching. I hated watching gymnastics with my ex-wife because after each routine she'd announce her scoring, and then argue with me when the judges' score was different (then get mad at me when I didn't care

.) There are no doubt nuances which the judges take into account and of which we are unaware, and I suspect that explains almost all of the post-event kvetching--the judges know something that we don't.

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Marleybone · 08-18-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadway

Marleybone, Did you catch his interview with Jim Lampley today? He was talking about how much his mother meant to him and he went on and on about how, growing up, he watched his single mother work full time, go to graduate school, all while making sure that he and his sisters had whatever they needed. He talked about knowing that she worked very very hard to make sure he and his sisters were taken care of and how much he admired her. It was a very touching commentary on the love he has for her.

During his first individual win, I think it was, they showed him on the podium telling the third place finisher "I can't find my mom!" as he was looking for her in the stands.

Awww

Yes! He's really a great kid, and I would love to meet his mom.

Lois Lane · 08-18-2008, 01:22 PM

One of the problems with subjective judging is that there're a lot of factors playing into the judging. When Michele Kwan was very young and competing in ladies figure skating, the judges consistently underscored her because she looked like a little girl. Her coach started slapping some makeup and glitter on her and her scores improved dramatically--even though it was the same routine and the same level of difficulty and execution.

I've heard the commentators (Daggett and Elfie whats'erface) say that the judges overall (not just these judges, but at other elite competitions as well) just do not like Shawn's bodytype. To me, she's adorable. But they were implying that they like the long lean lines of Nastia, who while still petite is rather leggy and not compact like Shawn.

I competed in gymnastics a long time ago so I can appreciate that the level of difficulty is rewarded in a routine. It's more fair to me that someone doing more difficult elements is rewarded for doing them, even if they don't complete them perfectly. Otherwise, everyone could bring in their B routines that are easier for them to do perfectly and not risk making as many mistakes.

But, that said, the problem is that the judging can be all over the place with one girl getting an amazing score and another girl getting a so-so score for a similar routine. Gymnastics experts (I'm talking about former gymnasts who are now commetators, rather than just talking heads who babble on) have also pointed out that the known elite gymnasts have an edge because they are likely to be scored higher than an unknown--even if they perform equally well (or badly).

On a different note, I'm disappointed that we won't get to see Liu defend his gold medal in the 110 meter hurdles. I was really looking forward to seeing if he could beat the Cuban hurdler.

China TV should be ashamed of itself for making the Chinese bronze medalist feel anything less than ecstatic about winning a medal for China. Poor guy. Though Andrea Kramer isn't much better interviewing the swimmers poolside. Granted, even she's not bad enough to make them cry, but some of her questions have been tacky and thoughtless at best!

Am I a weirdo for wanting to order that Michael Phelps DVD that NBC has put together?

I'm hoping that it would have lots of interviews with his mom and sisters, too. I just think they're a sweet family. I hope he stays the course and we're not reading about him dating Lindsay Lohan in two years!

I'd like to think he has better taste but then again he did try to get Jenna Bush's phone # after he won in Athens.

Kids!

mrd, I knew what you meant when you said you didn't enjoy the marathon. I actually enjoy watching it and find it kind of exciting, but there are plenty of sports I could fast forward through (diving, rhythmic gymnastics, softball, to name a few). On the other hand, I could watch track and field, swimming and soccer 24/7. I could do without the beach volleyball, but I can't get enough of indoor volleyball. I'm actually thankful when they air a chunk of stuff I don't care about 'cause that gives me time to empty the dishwasher and get a load of laundry in.

I'm actually getting sad that there's less than a week of competition left. I think I'll be suffering from post Olympics depression...

prhoshay · 08-18-2008, 01:23 PM

Does anyone know anything about Michael Phelps' father? If he's alive, I can't imagine him not being in Beijing.

I've decided that I prefer winter Olympics to Summer Olympics, but I wouldn't trade anything for some of the moments I've seen this month!

Marleybone · 08-18-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prhoshay

Does anyone know anything about Michael Phelps' father? If he's alive, I can't imagine him not being in Beijing.

I read that his parents divorced when he was 7. He has a relationship with his father, but they are not close.

Lois Lane · 08-18-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prhoshay

Does anyone know anything about Michael Phelps' father? If he's alive, I can't imagine him not being in Beijing.

His parents divorced when he was young and he hasn't been a major factor in Michael's life. His mom took 3 jobs to raise the kids and put them all through school and pay for swimming training. (His sisters are swimmers, too.) He said that after the Athens games, he and his dad had some contact. But he said he and his dad are estranged and they aren't in touch much anymore other than an email here and there. I get the impression that dad wasn't very nice to the mom, and Michael sides with the mom. I think if the dad loves him even a little bit, he stayed away from the Games so that he woudln't be a distraction to Michael.

It's kind of the opposite of Apolo Anton Ohno and his parents. His mom abandoned them and he was raised by his dad. Apolo and his mom had some contact, but they are estranged as well. She never shows up at his competitions--my guess is for the same reason as Phelps' dad.

MsDiva2007 · 08-18-2008, 01:29 PM

China is preocuppied with their Project 119 and anything less than gold is not acceptable under that. I can't remember what event but a Chinese coach said anything less than 5 gold in that event was unacceptable.

I don't think you had any choice other than the marathon at that time of day. it was early morning.

Wow The redeem team really wupped up on Germany this morning.

Hmm I'm sure Michael Phelp's dad will have a renewed interest in him and his money after the olympics.

Lois Lane · 08-18-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsDiva2007

China is preocuppied with their Project 119 and anything less than gold is not acceptable under that. I can't remember what event but a Chinese coach said anything less than 5 gold in that event was unacceptable.

Wasn't that the men's gymnastics coach?

Marleybone · 08-18-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsDiva2007

I don't think you had any choice other than the marathon at that time of day. it was early morning.

Exactly. We are at the mercy of the time zone of the host country as far as what we get to see and when we get to see it. I think we are lucky this time around that the time difference works out so we get to see a lot of events live considering how far away we are from China.

Lois Lane · 08-18-2008, 02:09 PM

I know that NBC (or some entity like that) asked China to hold their swimming events in the morning so they could air live in primetime in the U.S. And since NBC paid so much for the rights to air the Games, they got their wish. Ian Thorpe was quoted as saying that he didn't think Phelps would be able to win all 8 gold medals, especially with the morning races. Ha!

Speaking of Thorpe, has he been quoted after Phelps' win? I'd hope he'd be gracious and offer his congratulations as well...

08-18-2008, 12:35 PM	#381
Newfherder Resident curmudgeon Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Enchanted by a beautiful Soprano Posts: 3,057	Re: Summer Olympics: Beijing, China Disclaimer: This post is not directed at any individuals!! It is a general observation only! One of my big complaints about the Olympics, or really any event with subjective scoring, is that everyone becomes an instant "expert" in whatever sport they are watching. I hated watching gymnastics with my ex-wife because after each routine she'd announce her scoring, and then argue with me when the judges' score was different (then get mad at me when I didn't care .) There are no doubt nuances which the judges take into account and of which we are unaware, and I suspect that explains almost all of the post-event kvetching--the judges know something that we don't. __________________ "The road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination." --Marion Zimmer Bradley

08-18-2008, 01:22 PM	#383
Lois Lane On a cupcake mission! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Right behind you Posts: 5,063	Re: Summer Olympics: Beijing, China One of the problems with subjective judging is that there're a lot of factors playing into the judging. When Michele Kwan was very young and competing in ladies figure skating, the judges consistently underscored her because she looked like a little girl. Her coach started slapping some makeup and glitter on her and her scores improved dramatically--even though it was the same routine and the same level of difficulty and execution. I've heard the commentators (Daggett and Elfie whats'erface) say that the judges overall (not just these judges, but at other elite competitions as well) just do not like Shawn's bodytype. To me, she's adorable. But they were implying that they like the long lean lines of Nastia, who while still petite is rather leggy and not compact like Shawn. I competed in gymnastics a long time ago so I can appreciate that the level of difficulty is rewarded in a routine. It's more fair to me that someone doing more difficult elements is rewarded for doing them, even if they don't complete them perfectly. Otherwise, everyone could bring in their B routines that are easier for them to do perfectly and not risk making as many mistakes. But, that said, the problem is that the judging can be all over the place with one girl getting an amazing score and another girl getting a so-so score for a similar routine. Gymnastics experts (I'm talking about former gymnasts who are now commetators, rather than just talking heads who babble on) have also pointed out that the known elite gymnasts have an edge because they are likely to be scored higher than an unknown--even if they perform equally well (or badly). On a different note, I'm disappointed that we won't get to see Liu defend his gold medal in the 110 meter hurdles. I was really looking forward to seeing if he could beat the Cuban hurdler. China TV should be ashamed of itself for making the Chinese bronze medalist feel anything less than ecstatic about winning a medal for China. Poor guy. Though Andrea Kramer isn't much better interviewing the swimmers poolside. Granted, even she's not bad enough to make them cry, but some of her questions have been tacky and thoughtless at best! Am I a weirdo for wanting to order that Michael Phelps DVD that NBC has put together? I'm hoping that it would have lots of interviews with his mom and sisters, too. I just think they're a sweet family. I hope he stays the course and we're not reading about him dating Lindsay Lohan in two years! I'd like to think he has better taste but then again he did try to get Jenna Bush's phone # after he won in Athens. Kids! mrd, I knew what you meant when you said you didn't enjoy the marathon. I actually enjoy watching it and find it kind of exciting, but there are plenty of sports I could fast forward through (diving, rhythmic gymnastics, softball, to name a few). On the other hand, I could watch track and field, swimming and soccer 24/7. I could do without the beach volleyball, but I can't get enough of indoor volleyball. I'm actually thankful when they air a chunk of stuff I don't care about 'cause that gives me time to empty the dishwasher and get a load of laundry in. I'm actually getting sad that there's less than a week of competition left. I think I'll be suffering from post Olympics depression... Last edited by Lois Lane; 08-18-2008 at 01:25 PM.

08-18-2008, 01:23 PM	#384
prhoshay Signed, Sealed, Delivered Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Right Here, Right Now Posts: 13,795	Re: Summer Olympics: Beijing, China Does anyone know anything about Michael Phelps' father? If he's alive, I can't imagine him not being in Beijing. I've decided that I prefer winter Olympics to Summer Olympics, but I wouldn't trade anything for some of the moments I've seen this month! __________________ "...each affects the other, and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one." - Mitch Albom, one helluva writer You are the only person responsible for your happiness.

08-18-2008, 01:29 PM	#387
MsDiva2007 FORT Fogey Join Date: May 2007 Location: Del Mar, California Age: 47 Posts: 2,084	Re: Summer Olympics: Beijing, China China is preocuppied with their Project 119 and anything less than gold is not acceptable under that. I can't remember what event but a Chinese coach said anything less than 5 gold in that event was unacceptable. I don't think you had any choice other than the marathon at that time of day. it was early morning. Wow The redeem team really wupped up on Germany this morning. Hmm I'm sure Michael Phelp's dad will have a renewed interest in him and his money after the olympics.

08-18-2008, 02:09 PM	#390
Lois Lane On a cupcake mission! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Right behind you Posts: 5,063	Re: Summer Olympics: Beijing, China I know that NBC (or some entity like that) asked China to hold their swimming events in the morning so they could air live in primetime in the U.S. And since NBC paid so much for the rights to air the Games, they got their wish. Ian Thorpe was quoted as saying that he didn't think Phelps would be able to win all 8 gold medals, especially with the morning races. Ha! Speaking of Thorpe, has he been quoted after Phelps' win? I'd hope he'd be gracious and offer his congratulations as well...