My take: As far as my knowledge goes it was the best Games ever. Why ?- a few things that come to mind:
Drugs: The Australians set out their stall on drugs years ago and the message was clear. In consequence, ‘scandals’ were kept to a minimum (by modern standards) and the way those that did occur were handled meant drugs didn’t overshadow the Games.
Commercialisation: Despite the great temptation to cash in, I saw virtually no overt advertising anywhere. I wasn’t looking for it so maybe I missed the advertising boards and the obvious branding that tainted (possibly a strong choice of word) Atlanta and preceding Games. (In fact, because the BBC had the UK coverage I saw virtually no advertising at all for 2 weeks. Bliss !)
Organisation: Seemed to go perfectly. Almost everything happened according to plan. Ticket sales, timing of events, moving athletes and the public around (no mean feat as the main stadium was divided into two ticket separate sessions each day), etc…
TV coverage. When relying on the Australian feed, the quality was excellent, varied, occasionally innovative and didn’t focus unduly on Australian athletes.
Commitment to the Olympic spirit: The athletes seemed to enjoy the whole experience and the commitment of Sydney and Australia to the Olympic ideals not only upheld but revitalised the fine Olympic tradition.
It was a showcase for a country determined to show the world what it could achieve. The Olympics, IMHO, did reflect the spirit of Australia: fresh, celebrating of the outdoor life, determined to give everyone a “fair go” and a first world nation able to match the best any country can offer. The tone of the closing ceremony reflected a desire to recognise the aboriginal people and was also heavy with humour.
I thought it was a great Games and the Aussies should be proud of what they achieved.
And coming from a Pom - and between gritted teeth - that’s not a bad commendation.
My sig line notwithstanding, I love the Olympics, and I love the Aussies, but NBC’s coverage was so pathetically bad, it was physically painfull to watch.
I liked the last Olympics a lot better. We got to see some events that Americans weren’t favored to medal in, like the Biathlon, & Judo, & Rhythmic Gymnastics, etc.
I was very disappointed, and I guess I let it influence my SIG.
I thought the games were great this year. The BBC had excellent (and, as London_Calling pointed out, commercial-free) coverage thoughout most of the day and night. I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do with my free time now that there isn’t one event or another to turn on.
The women’s football (soccer) final was the most nerve-wracking, nail-biting sporting event I’ve seen in a long while. Amazing. My older son was home sick from school that day so me and the boys watched it together. The baby was probably wondering why The Big People were acting like idiots. “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” “Yes! Yes! YEEEEESSS!” Repeat ad infinitum.
I hope the “scandals” of this Olympic Games will lead to a real discussion of international anti-doping policies, among other things to bring the US’ policies in line with the rest of the world.
Other than that, it was fun, as the Olympics should be and usually are. But I don’t think it will be particularly memorable for me.
I didn’t even know the Olympics had started until two days after they started. Someone came up to me and said “Hey, are you watching the Olympics?” to which I could only reply “What Olympics?”. Personally, I’m not all that interested in them. Very boring.
I really enjoyed the Olympics this year. Any British person would be pleased with our best performence since Paris in 1924. Although it would not have been hard to please us considering that we managed to win only one gold in Atlanta.
For myself, and all of the UK, the highlight was Steve Redgrave wining his fifth consecutive rowing medal - a record for stamina events. ( I acknowledge that I must come across as mindlessly patriotic but remember that we did only win one gold in Atlanta).
I also enjoyed the triathlon and the Gymnastics.
However, the opening and closing ceremonies were terrible. I don’t mean to offend any Australians. The truth is that all ceremonies of any sporting event are pathetic. The fireworks were nice though.
As yojimbo said, the BBC coverage was good( which is a rare novelty these days).
Ok…i have one beef with the coverage of the Olympics…where the fuck was the Handball final? Russia came back for a stunning victory over Sweden…but was it shown on any of the station covering the olympics…now. On a side note, my dad new half the russian handball team personally, for he almost made the team in 72. But other then that beef…i thought it was a great olympics…better then 96 by a long shot.
I love the Olympics, and thought they were great. I thought the NBC had too little coverage of the actual events, and too much stage setting. The Olympics are dramatic enough to me that they speak for themselves.
