Front page of the Globe and Mail February 27th:
It had one of the most calamitous beginnings in Olympic history. Now, as the 2010 Winter Olympics head into their final weekend, they are on their way to being celebrated as one of the best in history. …
That’s how most Canadians are feeling right now. Even the taxpayers from Vancouver … and they normally complain about everything.
Most of the hate I’m seeing online is directed towards NBC TV, especially their decision to tape delay coverage. People want real time live video in 2010. On the other hand, ratings have been far better than expected. The American Brian Williams left Canada a nice thank-you note.
related:
• Kumaritashvili’s body arrives in Georgia
• Why the Olympics Have Been Bad for Canada
5 comments ↓
As far as I’m concerned these games were a failure, badly organized…What I especially hated was that athletes had to wait for their medals at some stupid medal plaza ceremony. Medals should be rewarded right after they are won, not a day after. It is also not nice for people who paid BIG money to go to an event.
Then there was the speed skating fiasco with extremely bad ice and bad machines who are supposed to make it better. Well up to London 2012!!!
I enjoyed the olympics, and agree that my chief complaint is lack of live coverage. It seems especially ridiculous that I live in Los Angeles and am in the same time zone as Vancouver, yet have to watch events on tape delay. Its a lot less exciting when you know the results. Also, you are much more aware that you’re watching about 1/3 actual sports coverage and the other 2/3 NBC feature stories.
In any case, I am a fan of the Canadian “Own the Podium” program, and congratulations to the host nation on a great performance.
and as some wise person once said, “it’s not how you start. it’s how you finish.” Strong finish for Canada. I will definitely remember these games in a good way.
As a Canadian living in the US, I am simply depressed with the NBC Olympic coverage. I was used to have options to seeing the Olympics at home, and down here, for my 3rd Olympics I am astonished at how poorly it is covered. The fact that I am in the same Time Zone as Vancouver, yet had to watch taped broadcasts is infuriating. I think the Olympics were a great success on so many levels. And like most things, there is never a smooth course. There were a series of failures, granted. But lighten up Ceedeetje, there were a lot more things to celebrate than to bemoan.
I didn’t mind NBC’s coverage – it seems insane to broadcast huge events starring the biggest names in the Olympics at 2pm, when most people are at work. Where’s the fun in that? I do always wish they’d show more variety of nations – it seems we always see the US, Canada, and France. Great Olympics though – lots of excellent moments.
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