Olympics drawing to a close

So the Olympics are almost over. I was able to watch some of the games and events here in Japan, but by and large the time difference, and me being somewhat busy, meant i mostly read about the results in the newspaper or online. I am very proud of Canada for doing so well at so many events. Though i personally had nothing to do with their success, i am still proud to be from the same place. Way to go, canadian athletes! I will reserve judgement on the opening ceremonies until i see the closing ceremonies. So far it has all seemed very ... Canadian.

Hockey has not finished yet, but it's looking good for Canada. Now, those who know me, know that i don't usually watch hockey. I like it a lot, but i don't really follow the regular NHL. For one, it is never broadcast here in Japan and for two, i don't really follow any sport closely. But during the Olympics, I am Canadian and I like hockey.

Japan has not done so well in the medal count but i am very impressed with the support and interest that my students and friends have shown in watching the Olympics. Japan has often put a great deal of focus onto their athletes and especially when international reputation is on the line. I was talking to one of the staff at my gym and he was saying that he feels Japanese people put far too much pressure on their athletes and that it distracts from the sport aspect. Athletes can do very well (they're already in the Olympics! The world's most honored international sports competition!) but if they don't win the top prize or the gold medal, they often apologize to their supporters in tearful statements on the news and claim they will try harder next time. Olympic athletes do have a lot of pressure, coming from any country, i think. However, i also don't think that athletes from Canada feel the same heavy burden of national image. To some degree they do, but my impression is that it is taken much more seriously here in Japan. The staff member at my gym was saying he didn't no how Mao Asada (the celebrated figure skater) could concentrate with the media constantly speculating about if she would succeed or not. I guess that's what makes her a pro.




Japan has also discovered curling, and that's awesome. It took a team of young, attractive women curlers to bring it into the mainstream (as it is with most things in Japan, sports or otherwise). The students i have talked to about curling, though, have all said that they really enjoyed watching it and may start following it more. Many of them even expressed hope that curling rinks might start opening around Japan. Anyone who has lived here and knows about the crazy proliferation of bowling alleys knows that when the Japanese people lock onto a trend, they go all out. Fingers crossed for curling rinks in all the town centers, eh?

(Japanese Curling Team – L to R: Third – Anna Ohmiya, Skip – Moe Meguro, Alternate – Mayo Yamaura, Second – Mari Motohashi)
Image Source: Getty Images Sport via CNNGO





Symian : thinks Ice Dancing is beautiful, but it isn't a sport.
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