The Games of the Thirtieth Olympiad are one hundred days away. Beginning July 27th in London, people you’ve never heard of will become famous. Hopefully, we’ll
escape these Games without the death of a competitor, a political uprising, terrorist activity, or doping reports.
The French journalists have long since stated their concerns, when Paris lost out to London as host city more than seven years ago: “Where will we eat?” they whined. The assumption is, they’ll find something palatable somewhere.
These Games have 26 sports, short of the full allotment of 28 – yes, there is a rule capping the number of sports. There’s also a rule capping the number of competitors at 10,500, but we’re likely to go over that, because there are some “under-rules” for athletes that are pretty bendable.
On Saturday, May 19th the Olympic torch begins the relay to 1,019
communities before reaching Olympic Stadium in late July. 8,000 torch bearers have the opportunity to be applauded along the route. An 18 year old named Tassy Swallow will carry the Torch on Day One, in the aptly-named Lands End, where the relay begins. Tassy hopes to get surfing approved as an Olympic sport for the 2016 Games in Rio. Torch bearers range in age from 11 through 99.
This blogger will attempt to share his thoughts on Games both past and present, tell the stories of some American athletes like 52 year-old archer Butch Johnson, competing in his fifth Olympiad. There will of course be stories of athletes from all over the world, and, we’ll cover those folks, too.
You may have received notification of the blog through one form of social media or another. You can tweet us @CoubertinsRings on Twitter, at least one blog post during the Games will be based on reactions we’re getting via the web.
If you would like us to cover a particular sport or topic related to the Games, please let us know. Late July and early August will be a busy time, and we look forward to watching the Games, reading reports in print and electronic media, and sharing the excitement of the Olympiad with you. Thanks for reading.
