2012 Summer Olympics

**sportsfan41** · Jul 25, 12, 07:53 PM

Any one else looking forward to the start of the festivities tomorrow?

**hoops5** · Jul 25, 12, 08:59 PM

Can't wait. Will be glued to the TV. Very unproductive time at our house!

**mcpapa** · Jul 25, 12, 10:04 PM

Summer Olympics were always HUGE at our house. I was around in 1956 and 1960, but can only remember them from 1964 on.

Most significant memories for me - Beamon's long jump, Black Power salute, Spitz's medals, USSR over USA in basketball, Israelis killed by terrorists, Russia/USA boycotts; lots, lots more.

**sweet16** · Jul 25, 12, 10:07 PM

Love watching the Olympics, especially sports you don't normally see on a daily basis.

**Getslow** · Jul 25, 12, 10:57 PM

Michael Phelps needs to win three medals in the seven events in which he's currently slated to compete to pass Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina and become the most bemedalled Olympian in history. That's the thing I'll be watching most.

I'll also follow basketball, soccer and track and field. I'm really curious to see if Usain Bolt can find his way back to the top after getting beat in one event by a fellow Jamaican during the national qualifiers.

**sweet16** · Jul 25, 12, 11:06 PM

I like watching track and field, swimming, and even gymnastics.

Of course I will watch basketball as well.

**sportsfan41** · Jul 25, 12, 11:30 PM

I'm with you guys, I love watching just about all of the events. Really enjoy track and field along with gymnastics, swimming, basketball and so on.

**hoops5** · Jul 25, 12, 11:40 PM

Hoping for a peaceful and safe Olympics for all the atheletes and spectators.

**hoops5** · Jul 25, 12, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by mcpapa

Summer Olympics were always HUGE at our house. I was around in 1956 and 1960, but can only remember them from 1964 on.

Most significant memories for me - Beamon's long jump, Black Power salute, Spitz's medals, USSR over USA in basketball, Israelis killed by terrorists, Russia/USA boycotts; lots, lots more.

Two of these events happened at the same Olympics. Can you name the city and the year?

**mcpapa** · Jul 26, 12, 06:44 AM

^ Yep. I'm a pretty old guy with a reasonably decent long-term memory.

**mcpapa** · Jul 26, 12, 06:48 AM

^ In fact; two happened in Mexico City in 1968 and three happened next time around in Munich.

**hoops5** · Jul 26, 12, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by mcpapa

^ In fact; two happened in Mexico City in 1968 and three happened next time around in Munich.

Wow! I'm impressed McPapa! You know your Olympic trivia. I was only referring to the two that stand out in my mind. Munich, 1972. Mark Spitz and his 7 gold and the Israeli atheletes that were kidnapped and killed. We were living 2 hours away in Nurnberg, and it was round the clock updates on AFN radio. I was maybe 8 or 9, but I remember it was a very dark and scary time.

**MJAlltheWay24** · Jul 26, 12, 08:21 AM

I absolutely love the Olympics...can't wait for the opening ceremonies.

Hoping Michael Phelps gets it done again. His races were so exciting to watch in 2008.

**bugatti** · Jul 26, 12, 08:35 AM

I may be considered unpatriotic, but I just do not care for Michael Phelps. He is just too goofy for me. Obviously I am proud when he wins for our country, but I will be rooting for Lochte or whatever American to win ahead of him. It has also bothered me he has never done the 100 freestyle as well. That is like Usain Bolt saying he is the fastest guy in the world but refusing to do the 100 meter dash. Speaking of Bolt, dude is my hero. Nothing beats him celebrating early last Olympics and still breaking a world record. Or him getting out of a Bentley before one of his races.

Most excited to see: Basketball, Swimming Events, 11 year old Chinese gymnasts, Triathlon, Marathon, and Hammer Throw.

**mcpapa** · Jul 26, 12, 09:54 AM

Actually, the Olympics are on as we speak. Last I saw, Japan led Spain 1-0 (soccer) at the half and Spain is a man down (red card) the rest of the way.

On MSNBC.

**Getslow** · Jul 26, 12, 09:56 AM

^ Yeah the soccer tournaments take a long time, so they start before the official opening. Not a huge deal since I don't think any of the matches are actually played in London. They started yesterday on the women's side. The US looked good in attack but had some serious holes defensively, at least early in the match.

**sweet16** · Jul 26, 12, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by mcpapa

Actually, the Olympics are on as we speak. Last I saw, Japan led Spain 1-0 (soccer) at the half and Spain is a man down (red card) the rest of the way.

On MSNBC.

That is one sport i will not watch