Olympics

Over the last few Olympics, I've discovered that what I like to watch has changed considerably.  My favorite event used to be figure skating.  I'm not sure why, but I just don't find it very interesting anymore.  It could be that there are no good characters left (remember Nancy v. Tanya?), or that they completely jacked with the scoring (remember when 10 was perfect?), or the "wonderful" commentary by NBC, or for no reason at all, but it's just not very entertaining.

Lately I've been watching snowboarding and speedskating, specifically snowboard cross and short track.  I think what draws me to these events is they combine the best of two worlds -- no judges and direct competition.  I've never liked the idea that you can do better than everyone else but still lose because the judges don't give you the scores you deserve.  It always seems like the bigger stars get better scores simply because they're bigger stars.  Sure, they're bigger stars because they have performed well in the past, but that doesn't mean the performance they just gave deserved the score they got. 

Which brings me to snowboard cross and short track speedskating.  They're simple enough to understanding -- finish first and you win.  But unlike the other skiing or skating events, you're not going up against a clock, you're going head-to-head against your competitors.  You're required to go as fast as you can while staying on your feet and avoiding those (possibly) crashing all around you.  I'm pretty sure they don't go as fast as some of the other events, but it's more entertaining to watch.