Read the arguments by Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.
As I have told my colleagues over and over, I am not a huge follower of the Olympics (Editor’s note: Uh…… WHY????????????). I realize that millions watched the opening ceremonies Friday night. I, however, was not one of them, as I was enjoying my first ever snowball fight with friends (hey, I live in the South… cut me some slack!). But I realize that the nation is captivated with the Olympics so I am doing my best to enjoy them this year. I will agree there are some good storylines, and two of those are highlighted by Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan. I am coming to you as the ultimate casual Olympic fan, so I am looking forward to some of the speed skating events.
Now, when I think “skating” in the Olympics, I think back to my younger years and watching the Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding saga unfold before our very eyes. But, that is figure skating. Speed skating is actually the fastest, human powered, non-mechanical aided sport in the world.
At their peak time, skaters can reach speeds of more than 60 kilometers per hour. Folks, that is fast. It usually takes place on a 400 meter oval ice rink. Athletes usually compete in pairs and they race around the rink in counter-clockwise fashion as they change lanes once per lap to equalize the distance covered.
As I write this, an incident has popped up between the Chinese and the South Koreans that could add drama to an upcoming speed skating event. China and South Korea have developed quite a rivalry over the years. Apparently, a member of the Chinese delegation was taping the South Koreans during a practice session. South Korea coach Choi-Guang Bok did not like this, and doing his best Bobby Knight impersonation, hurled water bottles toward the onlooker. It is perfectly legal to record practice, and it remains to seen if this incident gets into the head of the South Koreans.
Another cool thing about speed skating is that it goes on throughout the Olympics. You have different types of speed skating on various surfaces. There are events going on this afternoon all the way up to the 27th, when the men’s and women’s team pursuit finals take place.
Again, I do not pretend to be a huge follower of the Olympics. But I enjoy seeing competition involving speed. I have a need for speed sometimes. And watching speed skating will give me a chance to watch the best skaters in the world race for the gold medal!
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