Games of the XXIX Olympiad

More like the games of the Human Rights Olympiad. (I'll explain later.) The 2008 Olympic Summer Games finally kicked off in Beijing on Friday, 8/08/08. Of course, I was majorly pissed that NBC did not show the Opening Ceremonies live, like every other country in the world. Even Canada had them live on CBC at 8am!!! But despite this, it was pretty spectacular, like Openings are supposed to be. At times, it seemed like a history lesson, but the LED screens were sweet. :)
After 2 days of competition (it's already Monday in China!), Team USA is tied with China with 8 medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver, and 4 Bronze). Swimming superstar Michael Phelps won his 1st gold medal (his 7th career gold) in the 400m IM, beginning his quest for 8 golds at one Olympics. Go Michael!! Tonight (or Monday morning in Beijing), he swims for his 2nd gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay. For China, there is intense pressure to top the medal count at the end of the Games. Their athletes seem to have a special determination as members of the host country, and as part of a nation that has overcome so many obstacles over the last 20 years. 1.3 billion people are counting on them, and for the next 2 weeks, all the world's eyes will be on China, both the athletes and the rest of the nation.
Politics and international sports will inevitably collide, especially here. China's positions on human rights issues, like Tibet and Darfur, as well as the government's oppression of freedom of speech/religion, had many skeptics raising eyebrows the moment Beijing was announced as the host of this year's Olympics in 2001. The controversy increased even more as the Games got closer. During the torch relay, protestors lined the streets of various cities, particularly in Paris, where the torch was met with violent riots. The torch also stopped in San Francisco, the only American city on the list. Many countries threatened to boycott the Games due to the human rights issues at stake, including the U.S. Urged by Darfur activists, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg was forced to step down as artistic advisor to the Opening Ceremonies.
The Chinese government refuses to address the issues, but has made their positions clear. They even threatened to restrict Internet access during the Games. Darfur activist Joey Cheek, a 2006 Olympic champion in speedskating, was unable to attend the Games when his visa was revoked by the Chinese government last week. One can only speculate that this also has something to do with the politics of these Games. And of course, there's also the long story of China's environmental problems, especially the dreadful air quality. China's massive economic growth over the last two decades has brought with it enormous threats to the environment.
Putting all of the troubles aside, I personally just want to enjoy the Olympics like I always do and take in every thrill and spill. NBC paid the IOC $894 million to broadcast our big events live in primetime, like swimming and basketball, so let's take full advantage of it. Go Team USA!!!