For two weeks a year every four Winters, the whole world is captivated by seeing athletes from all over the world compete for the gold in events like speed skating, curling, and figure skating. That is what is going on right now with the Winter Olympics. Likewise, for two weeks a year every four Summers, millions and millions of folks are fascinated by watching events like swimming, gymnastics and men’s basketball. The next summer Olympics are scheduled for London in the summer of 2012.
I will admit that, at the encouragement of my colleagues, my cold feelings towards the Olympics may be slowly thawing out! Loyal Homer had a birthday yesterday and while at dinner with friends last night the majority of the 15 people in my crew had their eyes glued to the TVs at the bar watching Olympic skiing. And yes I did pay attention… in between stuffing my face with a steak!
In the meantime, The Sports Debates thought it would be really cool to debate: Which version of the Olympics are better?
I am leaving the definition of “better” open ended, which should leave a wide open debate.
Bleacher Fan, who is arguably the biggest Olympic fan out of the four of us, will argue that the Winter Olympics is the best. Meanwhile, Babe Ruthless will try to convince me, and perhaps you, that the Summer Olympics are better.
For the record, I am encouraging both Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless that I truly need to be convinced of which is better. I am admittedly not nearly as knowledgeable on this topic as many of our readers are. Both sides obviously have advantages. It is up to you to convince me which is better!
The torch has been lit by Loyal Homer. Let the games begin!
Is it even a question that the Olympic Summer Games are far superior to their fledgling counterpart, the Winter Games? Seriously, the Summer Games have a history steeped in tradition that goes back thousands of years to the ancient Greeks around 776 BC. The Winter Games are less than 100 years old. The Summer Games feature hundreds of sports and thousands of competitors. The Winter Games feature fewer. The Summer Games have a global appeal. The Winter Games are regional and somewhat of a novelty act. The Summer Games boast some of the most intense and masculine competitions of athletic prowess ever imagined. The Winter Games… not so much. The Summer Olympic Games are the genuine article in comparison to the Winter Games’ cheap knockoff. The Summer Games are bigger and better in every way.
Not convinced? Imagine you are at one of the first Olympic Games in ancient Greece. You can keep it rated G by imagining it before all the nude competition stuff started with the Spartans (which for the record, is freaky-deaky). Now imagine you are listening to the play-by-play calls of an ancient sports commentator. What do you think you would hear? Would it sound something like this?
“And Cleisthenes makes a flawless transition from the double axel into a perfect triple toe loop.”
Probably not. But if I were to say, “Alexandros slams Demetrios to the ground and grapples him into submission” you might be more inclined to admit that sounds appropriate. Why? Because the Olympic Games have an ancient history… that is not tied to Winter sports.
The ancient Olympic competition included the following: horse and chariot racing, wrestling, and running, among others. Each event was found throughout the ancient world, which could be practiced throughout the empire. The modern Olympic Games, date back to the turn of the 20th Century and featured some of the same lineup as the ancient games. While the contests have increased exponentially in number, they have been true to the game’s roots, an athletic competition in which any athlete can engage. The same can not be said of the Winter Games.
The Winter Olympic Games cater to specific countries, those with snowy regions or the ability to practice in those places. Every now and then, a country or athlete gains global attention as an exception to this norm, like the now world famous Jamaican bobsled team or this year’s skier from Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah-Achempong – the Snow Leopard. Unfortunately the performance of these novelty acts is usually substandard. The Summer Olympic Games, however, focus on sports that are as widely practiced as they are ancient in nature. There is nothing elitist or segregated about the Summer Games. For the most part they can be practiced anywhere there is an athlete and a field. The Summer Games are truly a competition for the world, and the numbers reflect it.
More than 11,000 athletes competed in more than 300 events across 28 sports during the last Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This year’s Winter Games feature just 5,000 athletes, less than half the number of participants in the Summer Games. The Beijing games had almost 4 billion viewers during the opening ceremonies. While the Vancouver Games – which are shaping up to be one of the most watched Winter Games in Olympic history – had just a 67.5 million viewer audience for the opening ceremonies. The numbers do not lie. The Winter Olympics just cannot compete.
Now I have proven that the Summer Games are better because of their history, appeal, and in sheer numbers of participants and spectators. All these arguments are strong, intellectual, and probably appeal to data driven fans like Sports Geek. But I want to make sure everyone is on board in acknowledging the Summer Games as supreme, so I am going to do what I do best – get Ruthless.
The Summer Games are the biggest compilation of the most awesome sports on the planet. The Winter Games, however, carry about as much machismo as a tickle fight. The Summer Olympics feature sports that comprise many of the individual aspects of modern MMA (i.e. wrestling, boxing, judo, and taekwondo), while the Winter Games feature competitions like curling (seriously… how is that an Olympic Sport and baseball isn’t!?). In 1996 Kurt Angle, Olympic wrestler turned professional wrestler, won the gold with a broken neck. Curling is so gentle one of the Canadian team’s backups is able to do it despite being five months pregnant.
The Summer Olympics boasted unadulterated competitions of manliness, like weightlifting, shooting, and archery. The Winter Olympics feature competitive ice dancing. And yes, the Winter Games have a couple of manly sports, like hockey and the biathlon, (a combination of cross country skiing and marksmanship), but do those make up for the male figure skating costumes? I don’t think so! Even the Americans have lost their minds when it comes to figure skating costumes. American figure skater Johnny Weir wore pink tassels in something that looks like it came out of a Fredricks of Hollywood catalog. I do not know about you, but I do not think that is what the ancient Greeks had in mind. Sure these guys are proudly representing our country, but that sort of stuff just does not have the same mass appeal as watching the American NBA all-stars rip up the boards against defenseless third world countries during the Summer Games. To me, even the gymnastics competitions of the Summer Olympics have more appeal.
There is no doubt the Summer Games are the better than the Winter Games in every measurable way.
I am going to let you know a dark secret about myself. I am a sucker for reality TV. Really, I am. And not just the mainstream shows that most people watch as guilty pleasures, like American Idol, Big Brother, and the Amazing Race, either. I probably qualify as a hardcore reality TV junkie who is willing to watch the weirdest, trashiest, and saddest shows imaginable (i.e. Who Wants to Be A Superhero?, Real Chance of Love 2: Back in the Saddle, I Know My Kid’s A Star). You know how there are those shows that prompt people to ask “who watches this garbage?” I do! So you can bet if the call ever came asking for Babe Ruthless to be on one of these shows, I would be there in all my cut-throat, win-at-all-cost glory. And you know the Babe would make for some dramatic TV, because I would be the dirtiest player in the game.
But, I digress. The point is, if I was ever asked to participate in a show like Survivor (the holy grail of all reality shows) it would be a dream come true… at least until I checked with my boss. If I asked for a month off from my job to play a game, I would be the laughingstock of the office. So when faced with a similar question, should the NHL release their players to participate in the Olympics, no overtime shootout is necessary. The answer is a resounding no.
This debate was all Bleacher Fan. Bleacher Fan’s argument had one great point after another, proving the NHL has far too much at stake to let their stars continue to participate in the Olympics. Bleacher Fan very astutely explained that, to the NHL, players are investments which need to be protected. He went on to explain that the threat of injury could mean disaster for an NHL team in the championship hunt, not to mention the potential legal nightmare over player negligence that could ensue. I am reminded of Aaron Boone’s injury in a casual game of basketball which put his career as a Yankee, and his entire baseball career, in jeopardy. That too was an unnecessary legal risk. Probably the most meaningful aspect of the winning argument was his assertion that although being a part of the Olympics is an honor, it is not a requirement, like meeting the obligations of one’s NHL contract.
Loyal Homer focused the counter-argument on the “why not?” side of things. He reasoned that the free promotion of NHL players on the grand stage that is the Winter Olympic Games could outweigh potential pitfalls. I agree on that point, but that is about it. Loyal Homer’s analysis that shutting down the NHL season once every four years is only a minor sacrifice is completely off base. As I pointed out in the introduction to this debate, the time that the NHL gives up for the Olympic Games is hugely important. The only other major competing sport during this prime time is the NBA, which allows the NHL to shine a great deal more in a less competitive sports market. Loyal Homer also pointed out that players, such as league MVP Alexander Ovechkin, have indicated they will represent their country regardless of the ramifications. While I admire their national pride, I despise the complete disregard for their commitments and contractual obligations. Whatever happened to a man’s word being his bond? If they honestly want to play in the Olympics then they should, but they should ask to be released from their contracts first instead of holding the league that actually pays their bills hostage. These players’ ultimatums are indeed hostage negotiations, and last time I checked, the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists.
It honestly would have been fairly easy for Loyal Homer to have convinced me that the patriotic thing to do would be to put your country first. But, unfortunately that route went unexplored. In the end, I say let the NHL play on and the Olympics proceed as normal. But these players must make a choice. In light of recent news, it seems that the NHL is close to making their choice – prohibiting players from participating in future Winter Olympics. The NHL is justified in requiring their players to skip the Olympics considering they have already established a precedent of doing so in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Plus the investment the league has in players like Alexander Ovechkin is far too important to intentionally put in danger for potential exposure. That is why this debate is awarded to Bleacher Fan.
Olympic hockey. For most Americans those two words immediately conjure up images of the unforgettable American victory over the Soviets during the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, more fondly remembered as the Miracle on Ice. But for the NHL, Olympic hockey has begun to evoke feelings of stress and apprehension over the potential nightmare situations involving NHL season interruptions and injured stars.
For quite some time NHL players have been able to participate in the Olympics despite their non-amateur status. In recent years, the NHL has put everything on hold to allow its players to represent their native countries during the Olympic Winter Games. This is a huge gesture considering the NHL was giving up prime exposure during a time when the only other competing major domestic professional sport is the NBA. The NHL provided work stoppages – in the interest of good will and cross promotion – for the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan in 1998 and again in 2006 during the games held in Turin, Italy. But NHL officials are wondering just how much publicity they are getting by allowing their players to participate in games halfway around the world (though Vancouver is a little closer this year).
This issue becomes an even bigger deal when you consider that the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement is up for renewal soon, and players are already demanding their release for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Several prominent Russian NHL players have voiced their desire and intention to play in the 2014 game, whether they have the league’s blessing or not. (Wouldn’t you know it? Communism is over and the Russians are still causing problems for us.) Currently the NHL features four Russian players who were among the league’s best scorers last season, including the 2008-2009 MVP Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin.
The protesting Russians are joined in support by Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee, who has spoken out in support of the NHL players’ participation in future Olympic Games, stating, “I think it’s important for the NHL to have their stars shine in the Olympic Games. If you look at the audience of the final game of the Olympic hockey tournament, it matches the final of the Stanley Cup. That is a good promotion for hockey in North America.” NHL team owners may not be inclined to agree.
Enter today’s great debate: Should the NHL suspend operations and release players to participate in the Olympic Games at the expense of the league?
Loyal Homer will extend his regional loyalties to the national level as he argues in favor of suspending the NHL season and letting players represent their native countries. Bleacher Fan, on the other hand, will point out why it should be inarguable for the NHL to suspend the season in order for players to participate in the Olympics.
Who will win this cold war? We will soon learn when our competitors face off at center ice. Remember, make your arguments like me – big, flashy, and, of course ruthless.
If you were leasing a Cadillac for $650 per month, would you lend it to your 16-year old nephew who was driving cross-country with his buddies on a road trip to Panama City? How about allowing a dog kennel to set up shop in the living room of your newly renovated home for a couple weeks?
When you invest money into a purchase of any kind, you want to do everything in your power to protect it as much as possible.
While I hate to objectify the athletes that play hockey in the NHL, they are all, to a certain degree, investments. The NHL franchises that comprise the league have invested a great deal of time and money into their superstars, and subsequently want to make sure they get solid return on their investments at all times. Part of protecting that investment means that you must sometimes intervene when that investment is at risk of being damaged in any way.
Since 1994, the NHL has allowed its players to leave mid-season in order to represent their respective nations in the Olympic Games. While this is a very exciting opportunity for those athletes, it is a terrible decision for the NHL. Even the NHL Commissioner agrees, at least in part, that it is foolish for the NHL to willingly permit their brightest stars to participate in the Olympic Games in the middle of their own season of competition… a decision they are wisely reconsidering.
I do not blame the hockey players for their desire to represent their nation in the Olympics. Just ask Alexandre Bilodeau what it feels like to become an instant national treasure. The attraction of representing your nation in a world-wide competition is great, and I applaud them for wanting to be a part of that magic.
The problem I have with the situation is that these players have agreed, under contract, to play hockey for a specific NHL franchise. When Sidney Crosby signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, for example, he was committing his professional skills to that franchise. For his services, he gets paid a hefty sum, and everyone is happy.
That is how contract employment works. When players sign on with their respective NHL franchises they have sacrificed the opportunity to compete in any other hockey event during the season. The primary reason that the NHL is wrong to allow their marquis players a hiatus to compete in the Olympics is simple – PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS! Crosby could not go compete in the AHL, or in some European hockey league, in the middle of the NHL season. Why should he be given the opportunity to compete in the Olympics?
Just imagine the situation that the Penguins (and the NHL) would be in if Crosby breaks a bone or tears a ligament while skating for Canada over the next two weeks. Crosby still gets his contract, Canada got some glory out of their time with Crosby on the ice, and the Penguins get a high-priced player that they cannot use.
This is precisely the reason that the Olympics were originally created as an exhibition by amateur athletes. The added influence that money can have on a game can complicate a situation exponentially.
Additionally, the NHL is actually ceasing operations for two weeks while the Olympics wrap up, just to accommodate the fact that all of its stars have left for the Winter Games. Now the league must not only sit back and watch as nearly all of their noteworthy players risk injury for an exhibition, but they cannot even continue their own operations in the process.
It is unfortunate that the timing of the Olympics falls when it does. For NBA stars, this problem does not exist because the Summer Olympics traditionally take place in August, two months after the NBA Finals have been concluded. If that were the case with the NHL, there is no problem at all in allowing the stars of the league compete for national pride. But, the NHL and NBA are in different situations. These players, who agreed under contract to represent their respective NHL franchises, have an obligation to respect the contract. Allowing their athletes to needlessly risk injury during the competitive season for an exhibition event that is completely unaffiliated with the NHL is both reckless and irresponsible.
I fully understand the position the players in, and I do not begrudge them for wanting to compete in the Olympics. However, this is a very bad business decision for the NHL, who can only come out of this break as losers.
What do Tanith Belbin, Ben Agosto, Chad Hedrick, Walton Eller, and Mariel Zagunis all have in common?
Aside from being four people who have never been in my kitchen, each has also won an Olympic Medal for the United States during either the 2006 or 2008 Olympic Games. Yet, you probably had no idea who they were (unless you first looked up the answer on Google like I had to).
Now, if I had instead used names like Dan Jansen, Kerri Strug, or Nancy Kerrigan, you would have known the answer in a heartbeat. So, why is it that some Olympic medalists are simply better known than others?
It is not the sport they participated in that separates them. Tanith Belbon and Ben Agosto won a silver medal for figure skating, just like Nancy Kerrigan. Likewise, Chad Hedrick and Dan Jansen have both won gold in speed skating. Clearly, the sport itself is not the separating factor.
Instead, it is the exceptional obstacles that the latter group had to overcome which propelled them from simply being Olympic medalists into the status of becoming Olympic Legends.
That is not to say that Zagunis or Eller had an unobstructed path to Olympic glory. Every Olympian from every nation must make great sacrifices in order to pursue the dream of one day hearing their nation’s anthem played on their behalf in front of the entire world. I am referring to those obstacles that are so exceptional that even the “average” Olympian would buckle under the weight of their seemingly insurmountable stature.
For Jansen, it was the loss of his sister just hours before competition in the 1988 games, followed by heartbreaking near-misses in the 1988 and 1992 games. In fact, it would not be until six years after that first heartbreaking loss that Jansen would realize his dream as he won gold during his final Olympic race in 1994. For Kerrigan and Strug, it was the ability to overcome the physical pain of suffering injuries that would have been too much for mortal athletes. Not even Jeff Gillooly on a severely injured ankle could stand in the way of Kerrigan and Strug achieving their dreams.
Americans thirst for stories like these. We love to watch as our compatriots achieve what just moments before had seemed impossible. We cry tears of joy alongside those Olympic heroes as they refused to surrender, fighting their way through so-called unbeatable odds to ultimately emerge victorious on the other side. It is the very essence of America, and we take great pride in seeing those moments of glory unfold before our disbelieving eyes.
It is for those same reasons that the United States will hold its collective breath once more as we watch the Vancouver games unfold. This time to watch Alpine Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn.
In the 2006 Winter Games at Torino, Vonn crashed during a training run, ultimately costing her a chance at winning any medals during those games. Four years removed from that crash, Vonn entered Vancouver slated as one of the favorites to win gold. At least, she was favored until she injured her shin during a pre-Olympic practice two weeks ago.
It appeared that once again a fall would stand in the way of Vonn’s Olympic dreams.
The pain, bruising, and swelling for Vonn has been so severe that she actually feared a possible break in the bone. Vonn has refused an X-Ray on her leg, despite that possibility, because she refuses to surrender her dream of standing on an Olympic podium, even if it means using crutches for support.
For what it is worth, fate also seems unwilling to oblige this latest setback. Thanks to a very rare problem by Winter Olympic standards, rain has actually postponed many of Vonn’s events during the first few days of competition. As a result, Vonn has been given some unplanned additional rest so that she can continue to prepare herself mentally and physically for the grueling competition which lay ahead.
Now, Vonn-watch is at an all-time high. Every press-conference and practice-run is being watched closely – not just by American fans, but by the entire Olympic world. Will Lindsey Vonn compete? Can she ski, despite a seriously injured (possibly broken) leg? Even if she can set foot on the mountain, will the pain be too much for her to remain competitive?
Thanks to heartbreak suffered during the 2006 games, the major setback of a leg injury, and the never-say-die attitude of one of the world’s greatest downhill ski racers today, the stage has been set once again for Olympic legend to be born. All we have to do now is sit back and watch as the drama (and hopeful magic) unfolds.
Posted by Loyal Homer 
