With the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games exactly a month away, I thought this would be a good time to detail what I planned to watch and follow closely over the course of the event. I should preface this column by saying that I love the Summer Olympics, could pretty much watch any event and am much more concerned about the United States in my viewing than anything else. That being said...1. Michael Phelps (USA) - Going for a record eight Gold medals, Phelps is already setting world records in the trials and makes his stiffest competition look like they are in a different class. Former Florida Gator Ryan Lochte, the next best American swimmer, has a chance to win some medals of his own.
2. USA Basketball - After being embarrassed in Athens in 2004 and at international competitions, USA Basketball realized their decline was steeper and more dramatic than they originally thought. The entire system was re-organized from top-to-bottom and features Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Jason Kidd with Coach K at the helm. They are again the favorites to win the Gold, but one has to wonder about the lack of front court players on the team.
3. Usain Bolt (JAM) / Tyson Gay (USA) - Outside of Bolt's great name, these two are the fastest men in the world. Bolt holds the world record in the 100 m (9.72 s), but Gay just ran the fastest-ever 100 m (9.68 s), though it was wind-aided. He is also the defending 2007 World Champion in the 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m defeating Bolt in those events. Though Gay injured himself in the 200 m trials, he will still be facing Bolt in the 100 m making for probably the best race in the Beijing Olympics.
4. Dara Torres (USA) - Back to swimming, the 41-year-old (also former Florida Gator) Torres is set to be the first American swimmer to appear in five Olympics. Her first was 1984, meaning she's been in Olympics as long as I've been alive. Already with nine Olympic medals, Torres may be at her best yet and just broke her own American 50 m record. Oh, and if she didn't tell you already, she's drug-free.
5. The Rest - I know, it's broad. But with 34 sports and 20 times as many events, it is hard to pick from the rest. I may be criticized of recycling the same storylines the media is pushing here. Tough--they're being pushed because they're the most interesting. Of course we have a 16-year-old dynamic gymnist, an exciting beach volleyball duo, some young talents in boxing and a great softball team. Just stay away from synchronized swimming, badminton and archery and you should be OK.
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