Olympics Beijing 2008...

Most people these days have been watching their TV more than usual (and later than usual) as the entire world centers its attention on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. I have to say that the Olympics are pretty dope cause it's the only event where you'll find yourself enthralled watching fencing, women's gymnastics, table tennis, etc. Sports you normally would not give two cents any other time. All for the glory of the country you cheer any male or female athlete wearing the stars and stripes! Here's a list of my top Olympic moments so far:

1. Michael Phelps

He's pretty much been the golden child and poster boy for the 2008 Olympics, setting 7 world records and an Olympic record on route to 8 gold medals. He broke Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record for most medals in a single Olympics and single handedly brought up the Olympics' TV ratings. But for as much love as Phelps has gotten, he has been hated on even more as many say his accomplishment is more cause swimming is the only sport that allows an athlete to accomplish a feat like his. Whether you love him or hate him, the facts are straight. Dude didn't just win 8 gold medals, he did it in commanding fashion breaking record after record. He went up against specialists, guys who only swim one stroke and work on swimming it the fastest they can. None of them could hang with Phelps. All that and he did it day-after-day-after-day-after-day. Geez, London 2012 could mean 4 or 5 more medals for Phelps, but one thing's for certain, MP is going to make buckoo bucks over the next decade or so. More money than he'll know what to do with as every major corporation bids to put his face on their name!

2. Bela Karolyi

Long time US Women's Gymnastics coach and now NBC commentator has shown some serious emotion throughout the games. Each night during the gymnastics competitions, all I wait for is NBC to cut away to its studio room with Bob Costas and Bela Karolyi so that I can watch the carnival he is when talking about gymnastics. Whether he is jumping up and down out of his seat celebrating a stuck landing or perfect performance by the US team, or almost breaking into tears as he felt for Alicia Sacramone being robbed of the bronze medal by a Chinese girl who landed on her knees (he said that the judging result was a pure, "leep-ov" or rip off as most know), he brings pure entertainment to the house! You can tell that this dude has some serious love for the sport.

3. Dave Calder

Lived with Dave my freshman year in College at the 17th Ave House. Awesome guy and it's sweet to see his Olympic dream fulfilled as he brought home a silver medal for Canada in the men's pair rowing competition. Congrats DC!

4. "Lightning"

Usain Bolt, what can I say, rough, rugged, and 9.69 GOLD BLAZING!! This kid is a rocket, and I like the swagger he brings to the Olympic Games. A lot of people are saying that he is too cocky and flashy, but I say the sport needs more of that! I love the pic of him looking to the crowd and basically jogging through as he crushed everyone in the 100m sprint. He should win the 200m tonight, we shall see! Run on Usain, run on!

(Check out the dude lunging for the Bronze in the photo, that's Walter Dix, FSU PRIDE!)

5. Any athlete that was heavily favored to win his or her event and failed to do so. Just because it shows that nothing is given and there will always be someone out there that wants it more than you do!

Let the Games continue on!