Official 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games thread!

[declansdad]

Doesn't count as a "real" gold medal -- because the US sucks at curling.

I'm kidding, BTW.

 

[declansdad]

The simple answer is an athlete that does not receive monetary compensation for performing their sport.

Before you pick this apart, don't waste your time because I'm honestly not all that interested.

I just think it's silly to have sports like hockey in the Olympics when the top teams are just NHL teams mixed up.

And not just hockey but that's what we started talking about.

IMO, it cheapens the games. Again read IMO!!

The same can be said about just about every sport in the Olympics. Very few of these athletes do anything but train for their events and some of them, not all but some, are making a pretty decent living out of it.

 

[declansdad]

Congrats! Just sad that "the pants" went out early.

It was the women today, was there a women's team with crazy pants as well?

 

[soccerdad72]

The same can be said about just about every sport in the Olympics. Very few of these athletes do anything but train for their events and some of them, not all but some, are making a pretty decent living out of it.

As an example, Bode Miller is reportedly worth $8 million:

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/olympians/bode-miller-net-worth/

 

[jrmasm]

The same can be said about just about every sport in the Olympics. Very few of these athletes do anything but train for their events and some of them, not all but some, are making a pretty decent living out of it.

I am aware of that and I don't like it.

I'm old enough to remember commentators talking athletes that waited to go pro until after they competed at the Olympic Games.

I'm also not naive enough to think that amateur status was purely held by all back in the day.

What I don't like is when professional leagues (the nhl as an example) take a three week break and dump all their players into the Olympics.

 

[declansdad]

I am aware of that and I don't like it.

I'm old enough to remember commentators talking athletes that waited to go pro until after they competed at the Olympic Games.

I'm also not naive enough to think that amateur status was purely held by all back in the day.

What I don't like is when professional leagues (the nhl as an example) take a three week break and dump all their players into the Olympics.

Fair enough.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

It was the women today, was there a women's team with crazy pants as well?

No but since curling is not as well known in the US, I was following the pants vs the event.

 

[wiigirl]

Woohoo! Curlers mine some gold!

 

[LBIJim]

Yes but he moved to the US. You all now have both Bieber and Celine Dion, good luck.

From what I understand, Miley Cyrus just started her tour in Vancouver. If we're stuck with Bieber, you get to keep her!!

 

[LBIJim]

I am guessing he means timed sports are not subjective. You win or lose on your own skill (or lack thereof), not what someone else decides is acceptable.

That's what I mean. I know most people don't share my opinion.

Before Ligety won his gold, all the other US gold medals were in subjectively judged events. Those other medalists are great athletes, but other than the ice dancers, there's just too much showboating or hot-dogging for my tastes.

Jim

 

[soccerdad72]

That's what I mean. I know most people don't share my opinion.

Before Ligety won his gold, all the other US gold medals were in subjectively judged events. Those other medalists are great athletes, but other than the ice dancers, there's just too much showboating or hot-dogging for my tastes.

Jim

There's really very few events that don't have judging involved, though. Even a sport like short track speedskating is affected by judging in terms of one skater making contact with another, etc.

 

[Caropooh]

Interesting article in our Seattle newspaper about snowboarder Vic Wild. He's an ex-USA citizen, that's now a Russian citizen.
http://seattletimes.com/html/olympics/2022943192_olympicsnowboard20xml.html

 

[LBIJim]

Doesn't count as a "real" gold medal -- because the US sucks at curling.

I'm kidding, BTW.

YOU'RE kidding, but an awful lot of Americans probably DO feel that way. No sport is a "real sport" unless the US is somewhat competitive in it. Especially if it's viewed as more of a hobby.

Just like the 1980 Moscow games didn't count, because the US wasn't involved.

Jim

 

[JanaDee]

The simple answer is an athlete that does not receive monetary compensation for performing their sport.

Before you pick this apart, don't waste your time because I'm honestly not all that interested.

I just think it's silly to have sports like hockey in the Olympics when the top teams are just NHL teams mixed up.

And not just hockey but that's what we started talking about.

IMO, it cheapens the games. Again read IMO!!

I agree. Same thing with the NBA summer Olympic teams.

 

[JanaDee]

As an example, Bode Miller is reportedly worth $8 million:

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/olympians/bode-miller-net-worth/

I didn't click on the link, so it may have been covered, but I don't think he gets paid to ski.

I am guessing most/all of that money comes from endorsements, not the actual activity (unlike NHL/NBA players).

 

[soccerdad72]

I didn't click on the link, so it may have been covered, but I don't think he gets paid to ski.

I am guessing most/all of that money comes from endorsements, not the actual activity (unlike NHL/NBA players).

I could be wrong, but in the days of the "all amateur" Olympics, no athlete could receive any money, even in the form of endorsements.

ETA: I think skiiers make prize money for World Cup races.

 

[declansdad]

I could be wrong, but in the days of the "all amateur" Olympics, no athlete could receive any money, even in the form of endorsements.

ETA: I think skiiers make prize money for World Cup races.

You are correct.

 

[mandy200587]

Is anyone watching the Women's hockey right now?

 

[declansdad]

Is anyone watching the Women's hockey right now?

Great game going on!

 

[Jennasis]

I don't even LIKE hockey but the women's game has been downright riveting so far!