Since my last post, I have swum 2000 meters twice, watched the Opening Ceremonies, spent 4+ hours at a divisional swim meet (while working a little less than half of it as a stroke and turn judge), watched cycling, crew, beach volleyball, women's indoor volleyball, swimming, archery highlights, and a story about Michael Phelps' sisters. I have also slept. That advice about sleep being for September ignores the motivated to exercise thing. I am exhausted. Sorry I missed yesterday.
Local Sports Update - We will review the predictions section later, but I was wrong. Eldest did not break through with one best time. He did not have his worst meet of the year (fly wasn't that bad), but his season did end with a whimper. He peaked about 5 weeks ago, which is fine, I guess. I think his biggest problem is swim meets are CRAZY time, not swimming time. In general, I understand and support this. It would, however, be nice if he could focus for 10 minutes, instead of 10 seconds. The number of times I saw him start to put his goggles on when the starter said "Take your mark" is a little frustrating. However, the whole family had a very fun season, and at age 8, fun is more important than accomplishment. If he enjoys it, he will want to keep doing it. If he keeps doing it, he will get better.
At the Team Banquet last night, he watched a lot of people get big ribbons, and awards, while he got the standard participation award - which was a medal this year. For a while, he looked pretty frustrated and pouted that he wasn't getting anything. We told him that he had to do better to get more. I am not sure if this soaked in, because by the end he was having fun with his friends and didn't seem to care. But at least for a moment, he realized there is a connection between accomplishment and reward.
I am not one of those who believes participation trophies have no place in youth sports. At an early age, fun and reward for getting out there and playing is important. But it is also important to start to connect accomplishment and reward at some point. Around 8-9 years old seems like a good time for that. I am glad he is getting there.
Middle did not swim in Divisionals, which is pretty normal for a 5 year old. He did not want to go to the meet, he did not want to go to the team banquet and when we were at the pool, he did not want to get out of the water for dinner and awards presentations. Swim meets to him are an excuse to buy and eat junk food. Come to think of it, he doesn't need an excuse for this, he simply loves to buy and eat junk food. I could have a bag full of candy and a cooler full of Gatorade, but this child would rather go to 7-11 and spend a couple dollars. He will be the death of me.
At the Banquet, Middle won Most Improved 6&Under Boy. This was deserved, as you will understand when I give my season summary (which at this point probably won't happen until after the Olympics). He also ran around like a crazy child with his friends. When he won the award he was not with us, and didn't seem to understand that he was getting a trophy. Afterwards, of course, he wouldn't put that trophy down.
One other little note. The swim team gives a "cutest couple" award (just for fun) for each swimming age group. Eldest won for 8&Unders. For the second year in a row. With a different girl. So at least he is getting something out of the swim team. A reputation.
Today's Olympic Story Line - Women's Indoor Volleyball. The US Women's Indoor Volleyball coach is Hugh McCutcheon. If you watched any men's volleyball in 2008, you probably recognize the name, and will definitely recognize the story. Hugh McCutcheon coached the US Men's Volleyball Team in 2008. The day after the Opening Ceremonies, his father in law was murdered at a tourist site in China. Despite this personal tragedy, McCutcheon coached the men's team to an upset gold. McCutcheon is now coaching the Women's team, and they are gold medal favorites. McCutcheon said the Beijing tragedy is not part of the story, and for him, he's right. But it is. Unfortunately, it always will be.
Reflections on What Has Happened (Focus for this will be on US sports and medals, but we will touch on other stuff as time permits) -
1. First US Medal won was a silver in Men's Team Archery. The competition came down to the last arrow, and the victorious Italians got a 10 point (maximum) shot with that last arrow to win by 1. We can discuss whether archery is a sport at another time, it is a waste of time now, because it is in the Olympic program. I will say, when there is pressure and you are doing something that requires physical exertion, like running or swimming or hitting someone in a football game, you can use the pressure and adrenaline to channel your strength. When you have to calmly pull back a bow string, aim and fire an arrow, that takes pure concentration. I wish the US won, but props to the Italian who made a great shot at the highest pressure point. Team competition, gold medal at stake, perfect shot needed.
2. Men's 400 IM - Wow! Michale Phelps finishes an Olympic race without a medal for the first time since 2000 when he was 15 years old. I am shocked. And he was right with Kosuke Hagino, the bronze medalist, with 100 meters to go, but couldn't get him. I never thought I would see that happen. I'm not sure if this shows he wasn't in the best shape for the 400 IM, or he isn't in the best shape for the Olympics. I will say this probably will impact my predictions moving forward.
3. Men's cycling road race - Alexander Vinokourov won the road race in impressive fashion. Vino managed to get into a late break-away with one other competitor and win the gold by sneaking past him with about 400 meters to go. Vino is 38 years old. He has finished top 3 in the Tour de France, won the final stage of the Tour de France on Champs Elysees, been suspended for doping, and retired last year. He has now come back to win a stage of the Tour de France and the Olympic gold medal. Not bad for someone only one and a half years younger than me. I'm impressed that I can swim 80 lenghts of a swimming pool.
Predictions Sum Up -
1. Eldest will break through with at least one best time in the Divisional Meet tomorrow. WRONG
2. Lochte wins the first swimming gold medal by defeating Phelps in the 400 IM. CORRECT
3. Elizabeth Biesel does Saunderstown, RI proud by winning gold in the Women's 400 IM. WRONG (She won Silver.)
4. The US Women win silver in the 400 Free Relay. WRONG (We won Bronze)
5. Mark Cavendish becomes the pride of Great Britain by winning the Men's Road Cycling Race. WRONG
6. The US wins the medal count. But China passes us in 2016. Pending
7. None of you will take my #1 advice for watching the Olympics. (See 7/27/12 Post.) Pending
(Somehow I doubt I will know if this was correct. The Wife would kill me if I told you if we took this advice.)
Predictions -
1. US Women take Silver 1n Team Archery.
2. US wins NOTHING in badmitton.
3. No one cares about Team Handball.
4. I can turn most of you (well at least the males) into fans of Frederica Pelligrini (top seed in women's 400 freestyle).
5. Dana Vollmer wins 100 fly.
6. US Men's 400 Free Relay can not repeat 2008 success. Wins silver (which will be tough itself.)
7. If I swim 2000 meters today, I will die.
Things to Watch For -
1. US Men's Basketball Team begins competition Sunday.
2. Men's 400 Free Relay - Never thought I would say this, but Phelps goes for his first medal of the 2012 Games. And the US attempts to repeat the Miracle of 2008.
3. Women's gymnastics qualifying.
4. Men's Indoor volleyball v. Serbia.
5. Men's Water Polo v. Montenegro.
6. Beach Volleyball - Including defending Men's Champions Dalhausser and Rogers.
7. BADMITTON!!!
8. More Predictions, some of which may actually be right.
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