Hey there sports fans and NYC podiatry patients, unless you’ve been living in a cave in Abbotabad for the past two weeks, you know we just had an Olympic Olympics. Even for the uber-nerdy non-sports fans such as your dear NYC podiatrist, this was most interesting to watch and follow. And for those with time on your hands, I have a few observations meant to mildly entertain while squandering said time.
In your face, Rio haters! Yes, they said it couldn’t be done. Too much crime, it’s overridden with Zika, nothing is built, the water is green. I wasn’t there, but apparently in the end the Brazilians really pulled it off. And the most competitively stupid swimmer’s concocted story about holdups notwithstanding (is there a gold for dumb?), crime was not a factor, at least not within the Olympic villages. Can’t speak for the slums, sorry.
Go Team USA! I think we just spent two weeks making America great again, perhaps now we can dispense of the slogan and those who would espouse it. But seriously- 121 medals! Our athletes killed it, and nobody even came close- not even the cheaters, nyet? It’s another testament to the greatness of this country- a place where hard work is rewarded in gold, silver and bronze, and talent is recognized and respected. Capitalism at its very best, and I mean that in the nicest and most patriotic way.
We are one. Just for a few moments, the world’s conflicts were subordinate to athletic contests. It doesn’t matter the athlete’s country of origin, only the country represented. And with a most notable exception from the Egyptian Judo team, those athletes can ignore their political, ethnic and regional conflicts and shake hands after a fair fight.
Holy chiseled muscles! The raw talent on display was just overwhelming and outstanding. Personally I was drawn to the swimming and gymnastics competitions, and even in slow motion I cannot fathom how anyone can achieve those heights while executing superhuman flips and twists on the mat, beam, bars or rings. And the very worst Olympic athlete is still unbelievably talented and deserving of respect.
Granted the world is still full of seemingly insurmountable problems, and maybe raw athletic talent is not the most important ideal to celebrate. However, hard work, potential maximized and extreme confidence are ideals we can all take home and actualize from the competition. These athletes worked hard and earned our respect. Time to take some of that and pass it along, just after I have maybe one more cookie…
See you in the office.
Ernest Isaacson