Pre-Olympics Thread (and Day -2, -1 and 0 spoilers)

[Velar Fricative]

I feel like things are such a shitshow that the spirit of CEP Bob Costas won’t shine, sorry.

These athlete covid+ cases are so concerning, especially given Japan’s state of emergency. Now Coco Gauff is positive.

[lemoncupcake]

I feel like it’s an exercise in futility but I hope that they’re able to contain the cases as much as possible so the games can go on.

I’m guessing that there won’t be anything like opening ceremonies and parade? Or will it be virtual?

[erbear]

WHY don't they require vaccinations for the Olympics???

[SusanBAnthony]

Jul 18, 2021 18:31:21 GMT -5 erbear said:

WHY don't they require vaccinations for the Olympics???

One article I read said it's because not all athletes had access, but 80% plus are vaccinated.

The bigger issue seems to be that with daily testing, vaxxed athletes are testing positive and we don't know if they are contagious in any way or not.

[nsl]

I love the Olympics--I happily gave up my dorm room and paused my studies in 2002 when they were here in Salt Lake--but I'll be honest that I am having a really hard time justifying my viewership this year. Between COVID concerns and the rampant racism evident in the trials against so many Black female athletes, it feels like watching them is giving the IOC a free pass for being the very worst version of itself, and let's be honest, the IOC has always been a corrupt sack of shit.

[Velar Fricative]

Jul 18, 2021 18:23:33 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

I feel like it’s an exercise in futility but I hope that they’re able to contain the cases as much as possible so the games can go on.

I’m guessing that there won’t be anything like opening ceremonies and parade? Or will it be virtual?

They'll be scaled back. To what degree, I’m not sure.

It’s not like I watch for the spectators but I can’t imagine these athletes competing in emptiness. Yes, major sports leagues did so but for many of these athletes, they’ve trained so hard for this moment, and many or most will not be back at another Olympics and they can’t relish in the crowd. I feel awful for them. But also awful for Japan because it all sucks for them too.

This has to be the death knell for how the IOC operates re: bidding of cities. Very few locations bid anymore because of the previous shitshows and the Games need to become more sustainable. Brisbane is the only city left for 2032 so instead of the excitement surrounding the decision, we already know they’ll win ahead of the official announcement this week. And we need to be able to have a far better backup plan for the next crisis. As much as I love one city hosting an Olympics, it’s not sustainable in so many ways. It’s time to decentralize the Games, which will give more opportunities for more places to host different kinds of events.

[konapoppy]

Yeah, I’m really mixed. The olympics have always been bad for the host, particular for the poorer people near the area who are completely displaced to build stadiums that don’t get used again.

And at the same time, there really is something magical about seeing people at the top of their sport compete from all around the world.

[nsl]

Jul 18, 2021 20:10:25 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

Yeah, I’m really mixed. The olympics have always been bad for the host, particular for the poorer people near the area who are completely displaced to build stadiums that don’t get used again.

And at the same time, there really is something magical about seeing people at the top of their sport compete from all around the world.

See, but this isn't always true! There are host cities in strategic locations that have managed to re-use and make profitable their venues.  It's the best possible argument for permanent host sites, because it works when you have the right combination of local willingness to invest in long-term upkeep, an environment that is hospitable to year-round training, and COL that's affordable for athletes.  Here in Salt Lake the stadium used for the opening ceremonies in 2002 got a major (and needed) upgrade and currently is home to the University of Utah football team; the ski jumps and bobsled tracks are training sites for future Olympians and tourist attractions (I was there just last month with a friend from Texas, watching athletes train for jumping); and the skating venue is a major training site for speed skaters.  Our COL is currently a big problem because it's skyrocketed in the last few years, but the majority of our venues continue to be used and contribute to the local economy because we were genuinely a good pick for the Games 20+ years ago. Most host cities can't say the same, which is where exceptions really prove the rule.

[aurora]

Jul 18, 2021 20:20:43 GMT -5 nsl said:

Jul 18, 2021 20:10:25 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

Yeah, I’m really mixed. The olympics have always been bad for the host, particular for the poorer people near the area who are completely displaced to build stadiums that don’t get used again.

And at the same time, there really is something magical about seeing people at the top of their sport compete from all around the world.

See, but this isn't always true! There are host cities in strategic locations that have managed to re-use and make profitable their venues.  It's the best possible argument for permanent host sites, because it works when you have the right combination of local willingness to invest in long-term upkeep, an environment that is hospitable to year-round training, and COL that's affordable for athletes.  Here in Salt Lake the stadium used for the opening ceremonies in 2002 got a major (and needed) upgrade and currently is home to the University of Utah football team; the ski jumps and bobsled tracks are training sites for future Olympians and tourist attractions (I was there just last month with a friend from Texas, watching athletes train for jumping); and the skating venue is a major training site for speed skaters.  Our COL is currently a big problem because it's skyrocketed in the last few years, but the majority of our venues continue to be used and contribute to the local economy because we were genuinely a good pick for the Games 20+ years ago. Most host cities can't say the same, which is where exceptions really prove the rule.

I think there may also be a difference for summer vs winter Olympics. Summer is a lot bigger so I think there is more chance for excess facilities that the host city won't be able to reuse.

[konapoppy]

Jul 18, 2021 20:20:43 GMT -5 nsl said:

Jul 18, 2021 20:10:25 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

Yeah, I’m really mixed. The olympics have always been bad for the host, particular for the poorer people near the area who are completely displaced to build stadiums that don’t get used again.

And at the same time, there really is something magical about seeing people at the top of their sport compete from all around the world.

See, but this isn't always true! There are host cities in strategic locations that have managed to re-use and make profitable their venues.  It's the best possible argument for permanent host sites, because it works when you have the right combination of local willingness to invest in long-term upkeep, an environment that is hospitable to year-round training, and COL that's affordable for athletes.  Here in Salt Lake the stadium used for the opening ceremonies in 2002 got a major (and needed) upgrade and currently is home to the University of Utah football team; the ski jumps and bobsled tracks are training sites for future Olympians and tourist attractions (I was there just last month with a friend from Texas, watching athletes train for jumping); and the skating venue is a major training site for speed skaters.  Our COL is currently a big problem because it's skyrocketed in the last few years, but the majority of our venues continue to be used and contribute to the local economy because we were genuinely a good pick for the Games 20+ years ago. Most host cities can't say the same, which is where exceptions really prove the rule.

In general, poor people are displaced. Salt Lake may have been an exception, but it isn’t the rule. I saw it first hand in Beijing.

www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/07/06/inside-troubling-legacy-displacing-poor-communities-olympic-games-one-villages-resistance-brazil/

ips-dc.org/the-dark-side-of-hosting-the-olympics/

[Velar Fricative]

Yes, definitely a huge difference in winter vs. summer because there are fewer sports and therefore less variety in infrastructure needs. But, where winter will suffer is because of climate change. Much of the world isn’t able to host a winter games, and those potential locations will be further reduced. But alas, the IOC gave winter games to Sochi, Beijing, Vancouver (all cities in cold countries but not even close to the coldest or snowiest options) so next they’ll figure out a way for Dubai to host skiing.

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 18, 2021 19:30:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Jul 18, 2021 18:23:33 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

I feel like it’s an exercise in futility but I hope that they’re able to contain the cases as much as possible so the games can go on.

I’m guessing that there won’t be anything like opening ceremonies and parade? Or will it be virtual?

They'll be scaled back. To what degree, I’m not sure.

It’s not like I watch for the spectators but I can’t imagine these athletes competing in emptiness. Yes, major sports leagues did so but for many of these athletes, they’ve trained so hard for this moment, and many or most will not be back at another Olympics and they can’t relish in the crowd. I feel awful for them. But also awful for Japan because it all sucks for them too.

This has to be the death knell for how the IOC operates re: bidding of cities. Very few locations bid anymore because of the previous shitshows and the Games need to become more sustainable. Brisbane is the only city left for 2032 so instead of the excitement surrounding the decision, we already know they’ll win ahead of the official announcement this week. And we need to be able to have a far better backup plan for the next crisis. As much as I love one city hosting an Olympics, it’s not sustainable in so many ways. It’s time to decentralize the Games, which will give more opportunities for more places to host different kinds of events.

As to the no crowd thing - I feel bad about that too.

I watched Simone Biles show on FB watch and she mentioned this as well. She looks for her parents in the crowd and feels the calm from them. I suspect many athletes do this with their loved ones.

And the raucousness at the pool. Man, that definitely drives swimmers faster.

It’s going to be an interesting year.

I’ll watch because I’m an Olympics junky but man, I’m so worried for everyone.

[gretchenindisguise]

Also - the 2022 winter games are scheduled to start Feb 2022 in Bejing. I’m very curious to see how that will go. At the start of covid that seemed so far away. It’s not.

[konapoppy]

Jul 18, 2021 21:20:07 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Also - the 2022 winter games are scheduled to start Feb 2022 in Bejing. I’m very curious to see how that will go. At the start of covid that seemed so far away. It’s not.

I keep forgetting this. I wonder if there will be a boycott, as has been brought up.

www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/04/06/us-considering-joining-boycott-of-2022-beijing-olympics.html

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 18, 2021 21:24:23 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

Jul 18, 2021 21:20:07 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Also - the 2022 winter games are scheduled to start Feb 2022 in Bejing. I’m very curious to see how that will go. At the start of covid that seemed so far away. It’s not.

I keep forgetting this. I wonder if there will be a boycott, as has been brought up.

www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/04/06/us-considering-joining-boycott-of-2022-beijing-olympics.html

I fell into an Olympics google well the other night.

Started with “how do they get the horses to the Olympics” and ended with “where/when are the next Olympics.” Lol.

[af1212]

Jul 18, 2021 21:18:05 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Jul 18, 2021 19:30:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

They'll be scaled back. To what degree, I’m not sure.

It’s not like I watch for the spectators but I can’t imagine these athletes competing in emptiness. Yes, major sports leagues did so but for many of these athletes, they’ve trained so hard for this moment, and many or most will not be back at another Olympics and they can’t relish in the crowd. I feel awful for them. But also awful for Japan because it all sucks for them too.

This has to be the death knell for how the IOC operates re: bidding of cities. Very few locations bid anymore because of the previous shitshows and the Games need to become more sustainable. Brisbane is the only city left for 2032 so instead of the excitement surrounding the decision, we already know they’ll win ahead of the official announcement this week. And we need to be able to have a far better backup plan for the next crisis. As much as I love one city hosting an Olympics, it’s not sustainable in so many ways. It’s time to decentralize the Games, which will give more opportunities for more places to host different kinds of events.

As to the no crowd thing - I feel bad about that too.

I watched Simone Biles show on FB watch and she mentioned this as well. She looks for her parents in the crowd and feels the calm from them. I suspect many athletes do this with their loved ones.

And the raucousness at the pool. Man, that definitely drives swimmers faster.

It’s going to be an interesting year.

I’ll watch because I’m an Olympics junky but man, I’m so worried for everyone.

I know it’s not the same but I read they are going to have their families on bug screens as spectators during the events. I was glad for that.

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 18, 2021 21:31:44 GMT -5 af1212 said:

Jul 18, 2021 21:18:05 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

As to the no crowd thing - I feel bad about that too.

I watched Simone Biles show on FB watch and she mentioned this as well. She looks for her parents in the crowd and feels the calm from them. I suspect many athletes do this with their loved ones.

And the raucousness at the pool. Man, that definitely drives swimmers faster.

It’s going to be an interesting year.

I’ll watch because I’m an Olympics junky but man, I’m so worried for everyone.

I know it’s not the same but I read they are going to have their families on bug screens as spectators during the events. I was glad for that.

Ah nice! That’s great. I didn’t know that.

[af1212]

Jul 18, 2021 21:33:52 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Jul 18, 2021 21:31:44 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I know it’s not the same but I read they are going to have their families on bug screens as spectators during the events. I was glad for that.

Ah nice! That’s great. I didn’t know that.

Of course now I just went back to try to find the article and I can’t 😩 I hope I didn’t make it up!

[af1212]

Jul 18, 2021 21:33:52 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Jul 18, 2021 21:31:44 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I know it’s not the same but I read they are going to have their families on bug screens as spectators during the events. I was glad for that.

Ah nice! That’s great. I didn’t know that.

Ok I found this and the way it sounds here is not the way I understood it. This makes it sound like viewers of NBC will see the families but the athletes themselves will not. And I assume this is only for US athletes.

www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nbc-olympics-without-fans-tv-plans-1234979504/

[pumpkin]

Jul 18, 2021 18:31:21 GMT -5 erbear said:

WHY don't they require vaccinations for the Olympics???

I read one article about a US male swimmer who said he choose not to get it before the games due to timing and as he was worried about side-affects. He had heard that some people where sick for a few days following the shot(s) and in the middle of his training he wasn’t willing to possibly be knocked out for a few days and lose training time not knowing how he’d be affected.

It was a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

[mccallister84]

I also think it’s crap that family members can’t come but NBC can bring in tons of commentators - I know it’s a money thing but it annoys me.

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 18, 2021 22:15:19 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

Jul 18, 2021 18:31:21 GMT -5 erbear said:

WHY don't they require vaccinations for the Olympics???

I read one article about a US male swimmer who said he choose not to get it before the games due to timing and as he was worried about side-affects. He had heard that some people where sick for a few days following the shot(s) and in the middle of his training he wasn’t willing to possibly be knocked out for a few days and lose training time not knowing how he’d be affected.

It was a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

This swimmer also said something along the lines of “just because everyone else is doing it, why should I?” I’ve been following him because he trains at my pool, and I want to like him but I just keep getting weird vibes from him.

[af1212]

Jul 18, 2021 22:15:19 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

Jul 18, 2021 18:31:21 GMT -5 erbear said:

WHY don't they require vaccinations for the Olympics???

I read one article about a US male swimmer who said he choose not to get it before the games due to timing and as he was worried about side-affects. He had heard that some people where sick for a few days following the shot(s) and in the middle of his training he wasn’t willing to possibly be knocked out for a few days and lose training time not knowing how he’d be affected.

It was a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

I’m surprised he would be worried about the predictable side effects more than the unpredictability of getting covid.

[wise_rita]

Jul 18, 2021 19:30:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Jul 18, 2021 18:23:33 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

I feel like it’s an exercise in futility but I hope that they’re able to contain the cases as much as possible so the games can go on.

I’m guessing that there won’t be anything like opening ceremonies and parade? Or will it be virtual?

They'll be scaled back. To what degree, I’m not sure.

Brisbane is the only city left for 2032 so instead of the excitement surrounding the decision, we already know they’ll win ahead of the official announcement this week.

I'm SO excited for the Brisbane announcement!

I was in Madrid in 2009 when they lost 2016 to Rio. They were waiting for a party to erupt but just...didn't. It was kind of sad to witness.

[lemoncupcake]

Jul 18, 2021 22:40:00 GMT -5 af1212 said:

Jul 18, 2021 22:15:19 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

I read one article about a US male swimmer who said he choose not to get it before the games due to timing and as he was worried about side-affects. He had heard that some people where sick for a few days following the shot(s) and in the middle of his training he wasn’t willing to possibly be knocked out for a few days and lose training time not knowing how he’d be affected.

It was a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

I’m surprised he would be worried about the predictable side effects more than the unpredictability of getting covid.

Exactly. He could have set aside a few days at a specific schedule he chose, but instead he could get sick right before his race and miss the whole thing anyway.

[pumpkin]

Jul 18, 2021 23:46:04 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jul 18, 2021 22:40:00 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I’m surprised he would be worried about the predictable side effects more than the unpredictability of getting covid.

Exactly. He could have set aside a few days at a specific schedule he chose, but instead he could get sick right before his race and miss the whole thing anyway.

Oh, I totally agree with you both. Just wanted to share a different perspective and of course now I can’t find the article again.

[loira]

Re: horses - they fly them in, often on (large) regular passenger planes. If you've ever flown on a jumbo jet, chances are it's had at least 1 horse in the animal cargo hold. The horses travel with experienced horse(wo)men. I had a friend who flew to Belgium a number of times to bring back horses for various stables near where I live.

I'm sad that this will be my first Olympics without Captain Canada, aka Ian Millar, on the show jumping team. He retired from international competition a couple of years ago at age 74. Also, a number of Canada's best show jumpers bowed out of contention. Eric Lamaze, who won gold in Beijing, decided not to go because he has been battling a brain tumour and didn't want to risk it.

[Velar Fricative]

Jul 18, 2021 22:36:59 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Jul 18, 2021 22:15:19 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

I read one article about a US male swimmer who said he choose not to get it before the games due to timing and as he was worried about side-affects. He had heard that some people where sick for a few days following the shot(s) and in the middle of his training he wasn’t willing to possibly be knocked out for a few days and lose training time not knowing how he’d be affected.

It was a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

This swimmer also said something along the lines of “just because everyone else is doing it, why should I?” I’ve been following him because he trains at my pool, and I want to like him but I just keep getting weird vibes from him.

Is this Michael Andrew? Because while his reasoning actually sounds legit (and he did recently have covid, so his side effects from the shots could be more severe), there is enough about him to believe he still wouldn’t have gotten it if he didn’t have covid.

www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/06/18/michael-andrew-new-olympian-doubters-scrutiny/

[Velar Fricative]

Jul 18, 2021 22:40:20 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Jul 18, 2021 19:30:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

They'll be scaled back. To what degree, I’m not sure.

Brisbane is the only city left for 2032 so instead of the excitement surrounding the decision, we already know they’ll win ahead of the official announcement this week.

I'm SO excited for the Brisbane announcement!

I was in Madrid in 2009 when they lost 2016 to Rio. They were waiting for a party to erupt but just...didn't. It was kind of sad to witness.

It will be fun! And don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about most other Olympic cities coming up (especially LA!) but this model can’t be sustained forever.

Re: Beijing - I also feel some kind of way about the government blocking serious investigations into covid and not being transparent with the world about the early days being able to host the Olympics in 7 months when we are still in a pandemic.

[Velar Fricative]

One of the US women’s gymnasts tested positive. Not identified.

www.nbcnews.com/news/olympics/member-u-s-women-s-gymnastics-team-tests-positive-covid-n1274334