Olympics begin: What’s your favorite event, favorite memory?
Longtime readers of the TOTD may remember that I’m a big fan of the Olympics. I remember the “Miracle on Ice” as a moment with my high school church youth group. I remember screaming in my living room with my wife when Kerri Strug “stuck the landing” on an injured leg.
So I’m all set to spend plenty of time in front of the tube when the Olympics in Beijing take off on Friday. I’m eager to see whether Michael Phelps lives up to the hype and takes home the eight gold medals that he could win. What do you think? Will it happen?
And — I was wondering — was there this much hype about whether Mark Spitz could win seven in Munich?
Are you a fan? What’s your favorite event — winter or summer? What is your greatest memory of the Games — winter or summer?
And is there something you’re particularly looking forward to in this year’s Games?
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
We tend to watch more of the winter olympics than the summer games. I love all the sledding events and the skiing.I am not a fan of China at all so watching the games from there just won’t happen.
I think I am looking forward to the closing ceremonies the most this summer. There is not enough room in the news for the terroist threats in China and the Presidential race in America. Besides that, when there are so many other things to be concerned about in our country, I really could care less about who can run the fastest, jump the highest etc. Let the games end already.
I am excited about the Pole Vault event since St. Charles’ own Jeff Hartwig is competing in the Olympics at age 40. Plus, I personally know Jeff since we went to school together and he lived near me. GO JEFF HARTWIG!!
Rams: Thanks for mentioning Jeff Hartwig. You may be interested to know that he’s blogging for the Post-Dispatch. Click here to see!
The last event.
Once that has concluded I can rejoice in the knowledge I won’t have to be annoyed by all of the Olympian silliness for another four years.
Kurt- Thanks about the blog information about Jeff. Will the Post have a listing of when NBC will show the local athlete’s events?
I found that the Pole Vault will take early morning and I just wondered what times NBC will actually (if it all)carry the coverage of this event. Thanks.
I don’t watch much, but I’m not on the annoying “shun Olympic coverage” bandwagon.
Summer - Womens Softball (I’ll follow anything Jennie Finch does), Mens Basketball
Winter - Mens Hockey and Womens Curling
Carl Lewis in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996.
Rafer Johnson 1960.
Cassius Clay (Mohammad Ali) 1960.
Kip Keino and Jim Ryun 1968
Wilma Rudolph 1956 & 1960
All who complete the Marathon
Florence Griffiths Joyner (FloJo)
Jackie Joyner Kersee
These are just a few of the athletes who not only were inspiring in the Olympics, but all of them after their Olympic career was over did/have done so much for so many others.
I still cry when I think about Wilma Rudolph who had to be one of the most heroic persons ever to grace the Olympics.
I’m so excited about the Olympics i’ll watch opening and closing and as much as I can inbetween. I love the track & field, swimming, gymnastics, sand vollyball. soccer, pretty much the whole thing.
I grew up watching with my family so I continue to do so.
I don’t think you have to be wealthy to make the Olympics, you just have to want to be the bast and work hard.
It’s a shame more people don’t watch the Olympics, we should support our country all that we can. BE PROUD!!!
my favorite memory had to be the nancy kerrigan/tonya harding scandel.but personally,i’ve favored the gymnasts. its something you can’t see on regular sporting networks and very entertaining to watch.
EDDIE THE EAGLE! Ski jumper from Great Britain, was there because he loved the sport, not because he was very good at it. Great personality and a lot of heart. His jumps were very entertaining.