U.S. Women's Gymanstics Team

I have to take back what I wrote yesterday. When the women faltered during last night's competition, they handled themselves like the Olympic athletes they are. After making mistakes (some bigger than others), they calmly made their way to the side and stood observing. Thinking. Replaying the mistakes over again to be sure. Probably trying to block it all out in preparation for the next event too. It was disappointing to see Alicia Sacramone fall off the balance beam immediately following her backwards mounting maneuver. It was equally inspiring to see her get right back on and finish the routine.

You can see Alicia Sacramone here talking about her pivotal fall during the balance beam.



Phelps continues to amaze. I watched him swim the first leg of the 200 meter relay and the dude piled up a massive lead for his peer swimmers. I don't know how that guy can swim multiple events in the same night, and win gold too. It must be discouraging to swim against him, knowing your only realistic shot is at silver or bronze.

I want to give China their props too. People might not like Bejing's smog or the country's politics. But China built some beautiful Olympic facilities, events seem to be running like clockwork, and the general atmosphere strikes me as relaxed and conducive to international competition. The games have definitely shown the world a side of China they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to see.

Which is the entire purpose of the games to begin with.