Now that the Olympics are over, I thought I would record my impressions of some of the significant happenings. Assuming your interest in sports exceeds that of tiddly-winks, there is something in the Olympics for everyone. Some people like track events; others prefer field. Personally, I am not drawn to weightlifting, but I am sure others are.
Paris was a great venue for the games. The Eiffel Tower was a fine backdrop especially at night. That wrought-iron tower was built in 1887-89 for the world's fair at that time and celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. Even now some 135 years later it is an imposing sight as the tallest building in Paris (just over 1,000 ft. high). The Arc de Triumphe is another beautiful sight. It is several decades older, having been built in the period 1806-36--the original architect died during its construction partly causing the delay. In turn it commemorates the Revolution and also the Napoleonic wars. In its vault is the tomb of the unknown soldier from WWI. The Arc is located at the center of 12 roads that spiral out symmetrically like spokes of a bicycle wheel.
Another attractive venue is the golf course where the Olympic tournaments were held. It is a very challenging course with a lot of water hazards, undulating fairways, sloping greens, and difficult pin positions. I watched several matches where the women were playing. One American--Nelly Korda -- is the world's number one player. But she quadruple-bogeyed the 16th hole of the second round, and three putted the next from 21 feet. So, she went from two strokes off the lead to back back in two holes--a deficit she never overcame. The New Zealand golfer--Lydia Ko--proved to be the eventual winner by two strokes.
Several other achievements stand out. Noah Lyles the US sprinter received a gold medal for winning the 100m dash but came in third for bronze in the 200m race. Later it was disclosed that he had Covid during the second race. In the women's 4x400m relay event the US won gold in US record time. Their achievement was by a very large margin. In particular the third runner, Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone, with long flowing hair, opened up a huge lead that was maintained by the final runner, so the outcome was never in doubt. In men's basketball the US played France in the final match for gold. The scores were close coming down to the last three minutes. But then Stephen Curry caught fire and made four consecutive three-point shots in amazing fashion to seal the victory.
Overall, the US won the medals count with a total of 126 medals. China, their closest rival, came in second with 91, and both countries had 40 gold medals each. It struck me that at the post event celebrations the US team members wrapped themselves in Old Glory. This in sharp contrast to the young hooligans back home who recently burned the US flag in their despicable protests of the Israeli war.
Finally, I am proud of C-Spire for withdrawing their advertising funds from the telecast of the Olympics because of the drag queen depiction of the Last Supper during pregame events. Every Christian should be appalled by that desecration.
Peter Gilderson, Madison.
