Mark’s Musings – August 24, 2016

Mark Fortune

It’s on to Tokyo for the 2020 summer Olympics. The U.S. of A. captured 121 total medals, 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze to lead all nations in Rio. Great Britain landed the second most gold medals with 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze. China was third in gold medals with 26 and second in total medals with 70, then 18 silver and 26 bronze. The Americans took home the gold in swimming and track and field in a big way in Rio.

You probably heard about Ryan Lochte, who claimed that he was held up at gunpoint in Rio – when what really happened was that he and three other U.S. swimmers vandalized a gas station and perhaps more important to the situation, lied about what happened claiming that they were held up at gunpoint by a group of men impersonating police officers. That is the online version of the story. If the online version of the story is what really happened, then nice job Ryan. You’re 32 years old. Grow up. In the wake of the incident Speedo announced on Monday that it is ending their marketing relationship with Lochte.

All of the other horror stories that surrounded the Olympics in Rio seemed to fade away like the flame of the Olympic torch at the conclusion of the games – anything from the nasty water to the Zika virus to possible terrorist attacks. Thankfully.

You are correct if you heard that the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams stayed on a cruise liner in the harbor – you heard right. Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and without question, the most popular athlete at the 2016 Olympic Games, stayed at the Olympic village that houses the other athletes.

And let’s hope that there were enough other positive influences and displays of good stuff that the people of Rio will overlook a fraternity prank by people that should just know better. It was cool to see athletes and coaches from many other nations surrounding pint sized American gymnast Simone Biles with a heart and smile the size of Mount Rushmore for selfies during the closing ceremony parade. Biles, who stands four foot, eight inches tall more than makes up for her lack of physical size with her larger than life personality.

The Indians have put some distance between themselves and the Tigers – now up 7 games while the Reds are 25 games back of the Cubs and their league leading 78 wins. Texas and the Nationals each have 73 wins as of Monday. The Pirates are 15 games back of the Cubs. It appears that the Cubbies will run away with the Central Division title.

Alabama is the pre-season number one with the Buckeyes ranked number six in the AP poll. Rounding out the top five are Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida State and LSU. Michigan is number seven. Yep, right behind the Buckeyes. Michigan State is number 12. Remember, this is pre-season.

Locally, let’s show our appreciation for all of the teachers, administrators, coaches, school bus drivers, office staff, maintenance, food service and janitorial staff. Thanks for what you do for our kids.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion