By Brandon Ladd
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics are underway and have been absolutely spellbinding, to steal a 2018 phrase used by NBC figure skating announcer and fashion icon Johnny Weir describing an Adam Ritton performance at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
The best sport I have watched so far has been figure skating, featuring the absolute domination by American Nathan Chen in the short programs. Chen set the all-time record for scoring in his short program headlined by his elegant and flawless air tricks on the ice. His lift and gentle landing personify the motto of the American Team, which is “kiss and cry.” Meaning the gentle kiss of the skates off the ice will lead to glory in the end.
Figure skating stands out to me more compared to all the hockey, curling, various skiing styles and halfpipe events seen so far. It is the artistry of the sport that makes it unique. Also, the fact that the sport is led by the best announcing trio that any of the Olympic sports have to offer. Terry Gannon on play by play is solid and knows how to set the scene and then get out of the way for his analysts Tara Lipinski and the above-mentioned Weir to give color to the sport. Weir and Lipinski, self-described best friends, have perfect chemistry in the booth and can provide tidbits to make the tireless training by the athletes come to the forefront.
The deepest feeling of sorrow I have felt for an athlete so far has to be for the two disqualifying efforts by Mikeala Shiffrin in her first two ski events of her Olympic run. Shiffrin had a serious shot at winning gold medals in both events, the giant slalom and slalom. Shifftin suddenly found herself off course in both events, which led to disqualification for missing gates. She was in tears in a post-race interview after the second disqualification, a puzzled look also was on her face, that she could not rise to the occasion on a challenging course.
The best game so far from my view was the physical affair between bitter rivals America and Canada playing women’s hockey. The game was brutal in terms of hits and checks, as multiple players left the ice bruised and limping throughout. The hitting is different from what is allowed at the Div. III level for women’s hockey and put on full display the toughness required by elite athletes to play Olympic hockey. Canada pulled away late and ended up with a 4-2 win in the group play matchup.
The Olympics are a great opportunity for groups to come together and cheer for the amazing athletes on display. The winter sports are different from what we are used to in the summer sports. Basketball and running events around a track are much more mainstream to the viewer than figure skating, curling and luge. Meaning that new athletes and countries have been on display each and every night.
Stay tuned to NBC though throughout the entire week, as the Super Bowl is coming Sunday between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. Who wins is up for grabs. The setting is the coolest part of the event. The gorgeous complex of Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California will be on full display, easily the nicest stadium in the world. Enjoy all the sports that this week has to offer.
