Every four years, we (unlike most Americans) become glued to the TV. That's right the Winter Games are King in our house. Of course a lot of that has to do with that overwhelming need for L to watch Olympic Hockey ;) But as we were watching a medal ceremony last night something struck a nerve with me. Picture three men standing on podiums. Each one has a brand new shiny medal hanging around their neck. These medals mean that for your event (it happened to men's 1000m speed skating) not only are you the best in your country but for at least this race, the best in the world.

The thing that irritated me was the following facts: 1) The winner of the event, Shani Davis, doesn't train in the US or with the US team for which he skates. He trains in Calgary, Canada. 2) He is standing up on the medal stand, with the American national anthem playing, all he can do is stand there staring at his medal... not once does he crack a smile. And heaven forbid that he know the words to the anthem and sing along. It was like he was almost embarrassed to be seen up there with the American flag flying in his honor.

Now I don't care if you don't agree with the current political state of affairs in our country. But you go to the Olympics, you represent your country not just yourself. If you're so embarrassed to be American, apply for Canadian citizenship and stay up there for good. Otherwise at least look like you give a crap about your country.

Labels: rants