The Olympics are over and what a spectacle they were. I for one will ignore my father’s pessimistic view on the games and continue to believe in the spirit of the games. I enjoyed all the story lines NBC fed us and sat with anticipation as the world watched an athlete’s lifetime of hard work unfold in a matter of minutes and possibly seconds.
[Side note: Fascinating NY Times article about NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol consulting Michael Phelps about the TV schedule and any conflicts it would have on his quest of 8 Gold medals]

If I had personally boycotted the Olympics, I would not only have missed the incredible accomplishment of Michael Phelps (which I’ve mentioned more than once previously) but also the inhuman feat of winning the 100m and 200m races in world record time. Usain Bolt’s performances in those two races were absolutely phenomenal. To see a man ham it up for 20% of a 100m race and STILL break the world record is truly remarkable. Bolt’s performance pushed humans closer to the theoretical belief that humans will one day be able to run a 9.45 second 100m. That time seems much more attainable after Bolt’s Olympic feat.

I refuse to allow any pharmaceutical cloud ruin the Olympics and focus on the competition and determination of the athletes. Gold, silver, bronze or DNF, each of these athletes have to be applauded for going after their dreams; something that many of us don’t have the courage to do in our everyday lives. I look forward to the next Olympics, held in London 2012, and the stories those games will bring. Until London, here is a parting Olympic video complements of the Daily Show.