But first allow me to get my 'whine' out of the way. Olympic coverage today is horrible compared to the past. Here's what I mean.... NOT the tech, that's obviously better today... but back 'when' track and field was a regular feature on Wide World of Sports, and other places as well... what I'm getting is: "back when" you KNEW the athletes long before the trials even started. Olympics events were part of TV viewing for the entire 4 years leading up to the next Olympics. Also - fewer "up close and personal" segments... from ALL countries... today it's VERY slanted to only those who are almost a sure thing for Gold.

Enough whining, maybe too much?

In my household nearly all forms of entertainment give way for Olympic coverage. This from every one of my family members... Grandparents, Kids, Grandkids... not a one of us that doesn't adore the Olympics. Some perhaps a bit more than others but ALL of us pretty much obsessive.

I remember in the 2008 Olympics when Michael Phelps won 8 Gold Medals... one of them by a fingertip. I think it was the 100m Butterfly. One of my grandsons was 7 at the time... and since the race was aired very late at night (live) he was struggling to stay awake. Just before the race began he lost the battle and fell asleep, or so we thought. Then came that fingertip victory... and my grandson bolted off the sofa screaming louder than any of us.

There was Keri Strugs winning the USA Gold on a bum ankle. Dorothy Hamil winning Gold. Trent Dimas winning Gold in the high bar. Kirani James winning Grenada's first ever gold medal.

And of course there has been heartbreak, for me anyway. John Thomas, my hero, losing in High Jump in 1960. Derek Redmond being helped to the finish line by his Dad after pulling his hamstring in the 400m. Roy Jones JR. losing a split decision in boxing, (worst decision in boxing history).

So what I'm getting is: For my family, at least, every Olympics, ALL of them.. are a sure thing to provide incredibly memorable moments, and unforgettable heartbreak. - JamesJM