Beijing 2008

So far I have managed to miss all coverage of the Olympics in Beijing, which is a shame as I do love watching the diversity of sports that the Olympics encompass. I have noticed that Wikipedia is providing an overview of the results and events, updated daily, so that helps. But I do want to see some of the sport for myself.

I first became interested in the Olympics back in 1984, when they were held in Los Angeles, California, USA. It took place during the summer holidays and the majority of the action was very late at night, due to the time difference. I was allowed to stay up late to watch it all and was further entertained by the fact that ITV were showing the first sci-fi mini-series of "V", so I would watch that and then turn over to watch the Olympics on BBC1 & BBC2.

The events that I enjoy most are the gymnastics, swimming, diving and all the athletics. But I do watch most of the sports at one point or another if I can.

I was intrigued and pleased to see highlighted on Outsports that there are a number of out gay competitors taking part in this Olympic Games and, although none are from the UK, I wish them all well. Any good performance, and subsequent good publicity can only boost the cause for athletics in general and for gay athletes to come out proudly which would further encourage the gay youth of today to strive for something better and show them that they too can be the best in the world at their chosen events.

Just before posting this entry I checked and the UK has 2 gold medals already in the Women's Road Race (Cycling) - Nicole Cooke, and in the Women's 400m Freestyle (swimming) - Rebecca Adlington. We also got a bronze medal in the same swimming event from Joanne Jackson. Good on you girls, lets hope the men can do as well, and all Team GB can increase our medal count exponentially.