Olympics

[PorkChop]

Who's watching?

I love the Olympics purely for the martial arts. Although I'm a huge fan of MMA, it's great to watch martial arts in their individual form. I'm particularly looking forward to the wrestling and judo.

I usually pay attention to the athletics as well, though not much else. There's some really strange / shitty things scheduled (dressage, sailing, tons of others) which shouldn't really be considered Olympic sports to be honest.

Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds though.

[Hanley!]

I'll be checking out some of the gymnastics contests, because those are always really fun to watch. Couldn't be arsed about anything else really.

[Everlong]

I haven't really had a chance to actually sit down and pay attention to much of it yet, though I did catch a little of the swimming yesterday and the volleyball today. Swimming and gymnastics are usually my favorites of the summer olympics, as well as the track and field events. Should be able to see a bunch more while I'm working this week.

[The Legend]

I'm looking forward to watching them as they continue. I think I mentioned on here I've got a former neighbor who is actually competing in rugby for the US so I'll watch way more rugby than I usually do. Always enjoy the swimming, equestrian, beach volleyball, gymnastics and water polo.

[Ali]

I've watched some fencing, judo, and shooting just for kicks because I can livestream all of it now. Gonna try to watch all of Team USA Basketball. Fan of the swimming, also.

Did anyone else see that French gymnast who's leg just about liquified? I feel so bad for him, that was just nasty.

[Everlong]

Did anyone else see that French gymnast who's leg just about liquified? I feel so bad for him, that was just nasty.

No vid/gif?

[Ali]

Don't say I didn't warn you...

Spoiler:

File format: mp4

[DBSoT]

Handball, water polo and Swimming for me. I will check out some of the track and field stuff as well. I couldn't care less about the rest. Watching USA basketball feels like a waste considering the games are so uncompetitive.

[Everlong]

Don't say I didn't warn you...

Spoiler:

File format: mp4

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FUCK

[The Legend]

@Ali

You didn't warn me enough.

[KaiserGlider]

Oh fuck no, I ain't watching that.

[Hanley!]

I think I mentioned on here I've got a former neighbor who is actually competing in rugby for the US so I'll watch way more rugby than I usually do.

Wait, there's rugby? I might have to watch that then.

Why are so many people interested in the swimming? I'm literally having trouble imagining a duller sport. Looking at a bunch of people moving back and forth in a line ... what's to like? The diving is another matter entirely, but the competitive swimming itself, I have to admit that I don't get it.

[Everlong]

Why are so many people interested in the swimming? I'm literally having trouble imagining a duller sport. Looking at a bunch of people moving back and forth in a line ... what's to like? The diving is another matter entirely, but the competitive swimming itself, I have to admit that I don't get it.

Really? You migyht be the only person I've ever talked to who finds swimming at the Olympics to be boring. It's produced some of the most intense, memorable Olympic moments for me that I can remember, especially the relays. Tonight's 4x100 freestyle relay was just the latest example, but other swimming events, especially in the 2008 Olympics with Phelps's domination, are always a ton of fun and it's like I have to hold my breath throughout the whole thing.

It's actually kind of funny to me that you bring up diving, which IMO is far less exciting and interesting.

[The Legend]

Why are so many people interested in the swimming? I'm literally having trouble imagining a duller sport. Looking at a bunch of people moving back and forth in a line ... what's to like? The diving is another matter entirely, but the competitive swimming itself, I have to admit that I don't get it.

Swimming is awesome and perfect for modern day TV. They show the world record line in each race so you can see if the winner is going to set the record and be faster than anybody ever has been, that kind of accomplishment is cool to cheer for. Also, I love the nature of the fact that most of the events are over in about two minutes, it's always somebody new in a different event and distance and a new race every couple of minutes.

[AkydefGoldberg]

I think there's a real under-excitement for the Olympics over here - I know the BBC have got full coverage rights but I find it hard to be invested in it. All the controversy with Russia's involvement plus Lizzie Armitstead's three missed drugs tests issues, citizens of Rio hardly watching plus the football/cricket seasons underway it's behind in the interest levels 'list' for me. Might watch some of the football and golf (shouldn't be there tbh) if I get a chance.

[Hanley!]

I have the same problem with basically all the racing events. These people are all really talented, but it's not talent that is very visually impressive to watch on screen. Part of that might be that Ireland only tends to be at all competitive in a handful of sports, so without someone specific to root for, it takes all the tension out of these things. Watching your representative overtake their competitors might make things exciting, but without that, it's all very dull.

I don't need someone specific to cheer for to enjoy the gymnastics. I like watching gymnastics for some of the same reasons I like watching wrestling. Seeing the grace and the style with which these people move - looking at all the flips and twists and stuff that few humans can do. Most humans can swim or run, just not nearly as fast as these people. It doesn't hit me on that same level.

[Daz]

I am always baffled that Beach Volleyball is an Olympic sport.

And I think I'm the only one who likes watching table tennis.

[Hanley!]

Nah man, table tennis is my jam.

[HFX]

This year the Rugby 7s are my top event though I also like to watch wrestling, swimming, rowing, kayak and women's soccer but only when Canada is playing. Don't really give a shit about the rest though who can say no to watching women's (beach)volleyball.

[Everlong]

Sweden just took down the US women in penalties