Fact is, these were the best Olympics so far.
History may rank these the best Olympics ever.
The Chinese people should be very proud.
From USA Today:
… Worldwide sport has never seen a finer fortnight, from the Phelpsian exploits in the Water Cube to the jolt from the Lightning Bolt in the Bird’s Nest, to the domination of U.S. men’s and women’s teams on almost every court, pool and field.
Then there was the Big Red Machine. China’s athletic coming-out party was complete when it won its first two gold medals in boxing Sunday to win the gold-medal count, 51-36, over the United States, but the Americans showed they are not ready to give up the ship quite yet, winning the overall count with more medals, 110, than it ever has won in a non-boycotted Olympics. …
I had actually hoped for more controversy. More focus on lack of human rights in the totalitarian state.
But the biggest political statement from athletes was the U.S. Flag Bearer, Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong. What a wonderful choice! And a respectful, intelligent, symbolic gesture.
Click PLAY or watch an interview with him on YouTube.
China is criticized for not doing more to reduce violence in Darfur.
I had predicted that the Olympics would be the beginning of the end for one party rule in China. That exposure to the “free world” would inspire the Chinese people to push for more personal freedoms.
Seems I was wrong. A strong economy may be enough for them. For now.
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