I have devoted a large part of the last two weeks to watching the Olympics. At home with Jenny and Brenden. With friends. At work. At Sam’s. In our apartment clubhouse. I’ve seen marquee events like Phelps’ races and gymnastics. I’ve seen weird events like table tennis, handball, and BMX racing. I’m having a blast! Here are a few thoughts:

• Phelps is amazing but somehow kept his head from getting too big. He values his teammates. He respects his competitors. He loves his mom. I like him.
• Bolt is amazing but too cocky. I hope someone beats him soon to remind him what it feels like. Then I want to see him break 9.5 in the 100 and 19 in the 200. I think he can do it. If I were that much better than everyone else in my events, I might get a little cocky, too.
• It seems there are two different approaches to any competition, or to life in general. You can either try to beat your opponents or try to chase some established standard, such as a personal best time or a world record. I think most of the athletes are focused on trying to beat their opponents since they want the medal. To me, though, it makes more sense to simply do your personal best toward the goal of the event and let the chips fall where they may. If I’ve done my absolute best, I shouldn’t be disappointed if that effort wins me a silver instead of gold. I can’t control what anyone else does. I can barely even control what I do.
• The lowlight of NBC’s otherwise great Olympics coverage is the interviewers who corner athletes after each event. Paraphrased example: “So, how does it feel to let your entire country down by not winning gold?”
• I can’t tell you how fun it is to watch the Olympics in HD after watching the 2004 games on a fuzzy picture through rabbit ears at our house.
• A wise person once said, “Some days you’re the dog. Some days you’re the hydrant.” Team USA has been both in Beijing.
• I wish I had half the discipline that these athletes possess. It’s a beautiful thing when preparation and talent meet opportunity.
• I’m still a bit upset with the IOC for giving the Games to China. I hope that all this attention will persuade them respect human rights better and give their people more freedom.
• If I could be a Summer Olympian, I’d probably be either a distance runner (5k or 10k perhaps) or a swimmer. I like the swimmer’s build. If I could be a Winter Olympian, I’d pick either ice hockey or long track speed skating. I would probably need specially made jeans to accommodate my massive legs.

What are your thoughts as you watch the Olympics? You are watching, right?