Olympic Fever

Last night (or rather, this morning, if you're keeping score in the Philippines) marked the end of the 2012 London Olympics. It began with a rock n' roll intro featuring Queen Elizabeth stepping out of character and Sir Paul McCartney enjoining the crowd to sing along to "Hey Jude." It ended with the Spice Girls and the remaining members of Queen (sans Freddie Mercury) again singing to the heart's content of many a music lover. 

In the midst of it all were records, achievements, and storylines. Michael Phelps cemented his claim to the title of greatest swimmer of all time when he bagged his 22nd Olympic medal, including his 18th gold medal (both records which may never be broken). Usain Bolt invited some controversy by his disrespect of Carl Lewis, thereby diminishing whatever goodwill he might have been wanting in the U.S. 

Some Filipinos, of course, are incensed by the fact that the national delegation did not win a single medal. There was one protest in boxing, a protest which had some merit, given that it was questionable. However, the Olympic boxing committee thought otherwise. 

The U.S. Men's Basketball team won in the final against Spain, a hard-fought match, seeing as Spain had Marc and Pau Gasol. Did the Howard trade overshadow the Olympics? Maybe so, but a lot of people still anticipated this game, and the teams did not disappoint. It was a good match, although not the nailbiter that I would have preferred. 

And what did we learn from these Olympics? Well, for one thing, that greatness can be fleeting. No matter how great you think you are, your records and your achievements will fall one day. 

Another lesson is that time eventually catches up with us all. You see the Argentinean basketball team, whose members may have suit up together for the last time. Some of them won't be together in Rio, that's for sure. 

The next time the Olympics are held, a lot of things will have changed. For all you know, the Men's Basketball event may become an under-23 tourney, which most people (including myself) find reprehensible. Olympic events should not be put under age restrictions, after all. 

Goodbye London. Hello Rio.