Nothing against the athletes involved, of course, and I know that its difficult to do well. . .
But, isn’t there another sport already called volleyball played on a court with 6 people on each side?
How about we start a Beach Basketball team. Here’s what we’ll do: 2 people on each team instead of 5 and get this. . .we’ll play it on sand.
How about Beach Soccer? Here’s what we’ll do: 2 people on each team and. . .wait for it. . .we’ll play it on sand.
Beach handball? Why not? We’ll take regular handball, except put 2 people on each team and. . .try to follow me on this one, we’ll play it on SAND!!
Voila!!! Three completely new revolutionary sports, all ripe for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. We can man the teams with people who couldn’t make the regular team, and to get you to watch, we’ll dress the women in skimpy bikinis.
(this is such an obvious rant that it’s probably been said before, but I guess I’m swept up in the olympic spirit.)
I couldn’t disagree more. For one thing, volleyball is traditionally played in the sand. The fact that it has been co-opted by middle school gymnasiums everywhere does not detract from its being a true sport. And the fact that there are only two players means a lot more running around and face plants in the sand, thus elevating it to – get this – Olympic proportions.
actually, what tdn said is the potential rant-deflator I chose to ignore. With actually looking at the history of it, I supposed its possible that volleyball was invented on the beach.
Who cares though?
Basketball was invented by throwing a ball in a peach basket and they used to play it in a cage. Doesn’t mean they still do it.
Tennis was invented when the Romans would cut the gentials off their fallen enemies and swat them back at the armies as a method of demoralization.
I think Trunk needs a hug.
Apologies to a fellow doper who e-mailed me a similar hug yesterday, after bemoaning the fact that I missed Monday’s matches.
I totally agree with the OP. Beach volleyball is stupid no matter where it is played. Having it make the Olympics is a joke. And “sexy?” You’ve got to be kidding!
<shudder>
I’d rather get it on with a Romanian weightlifter than one of those hags.
(Actually, I’d rather get it on with a few female gymnasts, but that’s beside the point!)
Why do we need the 200m Breaststroke? We already have the 4x200 relays! So what, you can decrease the number of competitors per team by 75% and still slap the label of “sport” on it? Pshaw.
Have you ever tried running on sand? It takes an enormous amount of calf strength. Have you ever tried playing volleyball with only 2 to a team? It takes an enormous amount of running and maneuvering. On sand. Yes, Virginia, it is a real sport.
