Aug 24 2008
Olympic Fire Gone, Wait Until 2010
Congratulations to Hawaii for winning the Little League World Series. Bad news for the New York Giants, who lost prized pass rusher Osi Umenyiora to a season-ending knee injury in an exhibition game the other night. Bad news for Real Madrid, which has all but lost star striker Ronaldinho. The only thing left to do is negotiate the buyout so he can transfer to Chelsea.
Congratulations to the U.S. men’s indoor volleyball, which won the gold medal Sunday. The Americans defeated reigning world champion Brazil in four sets and had to overcome the tragic attack on coach Hugh McCutcheon’s in-laws. The squad persevered and won its first Olympic championship in 20 years.
The closing ceremony was predictably outstanding. China’s 51 gold medals led the way, with the U.S.’s 36 coming second. No nation since the Soviet Union in 1988 earned as many as 50 gold medals. The Americans won the most silver and bronze medals, enabling them to claim the total-medal perch, 110 to China’s 100.
There will be plenty of debate about whether having the Olympics in China will hasten the government’s advancement toward democracy or whether hosting a successful Games will strengthen leaders’ resolve that their way is indeed the right way. History will be the judge. For now, we can praise those involved for a great 17 days of sporting competition. We can also look forward to the Winter Games of 2010 in Vancouver and the Summer Games of 2012 in London.
