I see your true colors shining through
That's why I don't love you
Molly Saunders
Issue date: 8/18/08 Section: Blogging Molly
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It's not that I don't enjoy watching ear-to-ear-smiling victorious athletes grace the NBC screen before me, it's just that I am so overcome with annoyance by the Chinese government that I've found it difficult to enjoy watching so many of the sports.
It's hard to watch the Olympics now without anticipating a cheating judge or underage gymnast.
I was at first mad that the great athletic event was to be held in Bejing, not because of the government there, but because of the unhealthy atmosphere, literally. When I found out about how awful the smog really was, that it wasn't "that bad" after a day of rain, I was, frankly, upset that some other deserving city wasn't chosen. I mean, I just thought that finding a city where the athletes didn't have to wear face-masks or risk an asthma attack was a simple prerequisite for being able to host the Olympics. But I suppose that's just me showing my naivety.
And I want to apologize to all the athletes who are competing for the glory of their countries but have to deal with the possibility of the pollution affecting their performance. Not only have those Chinese athletes grown up in that environment and are, sadly, probably better able to handle not being able to breath while running, cycling, playing ball, etc., it also seems as though they have judges with clout in every individual sport for "help."
Like I said, I was at first angry, but now I'm just disappointed and sad for the athletes who may only have one chance at the gold, which happens to be in Bejing this year. Frankly, it's been hard to watch the Olympics for the last few days without rolling my eyes. And Mom, I know you never liked it when I rolled my eyes, but at least that skill is being used for something deserving these days.
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