2008 Olympic Highlights

August 22. 2008

Beijing Olympic stadium (The Bird's Nest) - Congrats to host country China for putting on a great Olympics and for their massive gold medal haul.

I have really enjoyed the 2008 Olympics. It has been the best one yet. Congrats to all the athletes from all the countries that participated, as the mere fact you even made it to the Olympics says you are the best the world has to offer. Well done. Even if you didn't win, don't give up. Regardless of your age, you can train and try again for the next Olympics.

Usain Bolt was incredible

Being a Jamaican (that currently lives in Miami), I was thrilled for our country when our track and field team won a number of medals and set new world records. Congrats to them. I was praying for them to get some medals and thank God they did. We are a small nation, but track and field, football (soccer) and cricket are a big part of our lives. Many Jamaican kids start track as young as age 5-7. When I was a kid I won a number of prizes in track.

The charismatic Usain Bolt was wonderful. He is now the "Fastest Man On Earth" via the new world records he set. He was a joy to watch. He's from the same district in Jamaica as my mom (Trelawney). My mom can run like that too...when she hears there's a sale at the mall (kidding).

Kerron Stewart and Veronica Campbell Brown

Shelly Ann Fraser

Melanie Walker (that hairstyle was fabulous)

Miami's Bershawn "Batman" Jackson won a medal. Congrats to him!

I felt bad for Wallace Spearmon (left) when his teammate (not pictured) protested his race, which cost him the bronze medal (Netherlands Antilles was sadly disqualified as well via the same protest). He ran well, but his teammate contended his foot had touched the line and as a result got him disqualified. Still, it's not like it effected how fast they were running. Spearmon ran third, but I guess rules are rules.

Walter Dix of Florida was fun to watch. He ran with style and enthusiasm. I know FSU is happy for you. Congrats!

It's hard to feel tough when somebody just handed you a bouquet of flowers (just teasing).

Dayron Robles of Cuba is a great hurdler. He was fun to watch as well. From his first race I said to myself, this guy's going to win the gold. And that he did. He was just calm and cool throughout the race and had this great speed. He is a very good athlete. Congrats!

Swimmer, Michael Phelps, tore up the pool! This Olympics swimming was spelled "Michael Phelps." This guy just does not believe in coming in second (LOL). With a record 8 gold medals, he is unquestionably the best swimmer in the world. Dude, you earned it. Well done to you.

 Doesn't Michael Phelps look a bit like Ron Reagan jr.

The U.S. men's swim team celebrating the end of the relay race that garnered them a gold medal. Congrats! You did a great job and deserve it.

Shawn Johnson, 16, did very well in gymnastics. You go short stuff! I was rooting for you. Congrats on your medals.

Bob Costas

And for the not so great stuff. NBC's Bob Costas offended many Jamaicans when he ripped Usain Bolt on air earlier in the week, for allegedly celebrating his win too much. I don't understand why a man in his 50's would speak in such caustic terms about a 21-year-old celebrating his first gold medal at the Olympics. He spoke well of and hugged other runners after his victory.

I didn't take offense to any athlete's celebrations at the Olympics and don't understand why you did. While you are entitled to free speech, the rant took on a very personal, vitriolic tone, and just like you can say the things you said, I am free to say what I wish, and you were positively rude and offensive. You were foaming at the mouth as though Bolt had knocked up your daughter. It was a very unprofessional and disproportionate reaction to an exuberant young man's victory.