Every two years, in February or August, I get caught up in what’s called “Olympic fever.” This is an exciting two weeks during which 100+ countries from six continents compete in a two-week spread of friendly athletic competition. From audience favorites like figure skating and gymnastics to more obscure events such as skeleton and dressage, dozens of sporting events each get their moment in the international spotlight. Many of these events aren’t regularly televised, so for the athletes (and their sponsors), the Olympics are, literally, a high stakes, once-every-four-years event.
This year is different. The XXII Winter Olympiad is winding down as I write this, and yet I could hardly care one way or the other. When you consider that, as recently as 18 months ago, I was determined to travel to Sochi, Russia to witness – firsthand – the opening ceremonies, the ski jump finals, the bobsled run, and other events, it seems strange for me to suddenly be so disinterested. What happened?
GringoPotpourri 