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Originally posted by iron chef:

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Originally posted by wrightd:
The swimmers seem to do better with handing their nerves and emotions, but the gymnasts seem to get wrapped around the axle mentally where it can affect their performance more than the swimmers.

I believe a lot of it has to do w/ competing in sports where the results are objectively vs subjectively determined. A swimming race is very straight-forward. The technology of the timing systems and cameras leave no doubt about who finished in what place. A swimmer has no one to blame but himself about where he places.

Contrast that w/ a sport like gymnastics that's subjectively judged. When things get tight between competitors, they're at the mercy of the judges. IMO, there's a lot more to get into one's head.

There are more risk calculations. For example, should you do the safer routine that you hit 90% of the time but at best will likely land you Bronze, or the more difficult routine w/ higher point rating? You've only nailed it 33% of the time in practice. If you pull it off, you'll have a chance at Olympic Gold, but if you don't, you'll most likely finish off the podium.

On top of that, on the women's side, the gymnasts tend to be much younger and immature. I know there have been a lot of teenage phenom female swimmers, but 16-18 y/o Olympian swimmers are still considered the exception where in women's gymnastics that's the norm.

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Originally posted by PR64:
Our women's Gymnastics team just won Gold in the team competition.

Italy Silver and Brazil Bronze.

It sure is a different feel without Russia.

China took 7th.

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Is that the way we're doing this thread--revealing the results before they air in prime time?

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Originally posted by jhe888:
I actively dislike the subjectively judged "sports." Gymnastics, diving, etc.

The racing sports can be entertaining, although I don't need to see 8 heats of 100 meter breast stroke.

Some of the team games you don't see much of are fun to see every four years - water polo, handball, field hockey, etc.

Some the field events are fun to watch, but they have a tendency to show more of it than I am really interested in. I am always impressed by those guys throwing the shot, etc.

I wish they would show more wrestling and boxing. Those are good sports you never see much of.

And who doesn't want to watch 10 meter air rifle or 50 meter rifle competition on TV? All that action and breathless excitement!

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Originally posted by AllenInAR:
We should petition the IOC to include IDPA style events, or maybe 3-gun. Or long-range shooting.