Open Mic: The Olympic Moments

We're within two weeks of the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, and besides a different NBC logo at the bottom right of my screen during Conan O'Brien, it seems the nation doesn't care.

I guess ESPN's audience only cares about Brett Favre returning, Manny Ramirez possibly leaving, and the Yankees making a comeback. I, however, have been waiting for these games since, well, the last ones.

There is nothing more enthralling then international competition. Combining the loyalty to your favorite team and the patriotism you feel for your nation creates an irreplaceable emotional response. If your eyes don't get a little moist after hearing the Star Spangled Anthem as they raise the flag above that podium, then I don't know what will reach you.

Out of all the Olympic events, the ones that can be won and lost definitively (on time) are my favorite. There is no second-guessing, appeals, or questions about the judging. It's point blank—that guy beat the other guy and this is by how much.

How heartbreaking it must be for a sprinter who has been training since he was in high school, missed out on dates, never eaten junk food, spent thousands on equipment/trainers, traveled across the globe, just to run for 10 seconds, and lost a medal by a hundredth of a second? As an old Jerry Seinfeld joke goes, "If I had a pimple I would've won!"

What I'm most excited for in these Games is Michael Phelps. His pure potential for dominance has to entice any viewer, and the quest for unprecedented eight gold medals is one of those unbelievable feats that may never again be seen.

In every Olympics, there seems to be some moment that nobody expected but everybody remembers. One moment that makes us forget about wars, violence, conflict, and all the other negatives of the world. For just that one moment, we can appreciate our common humanity and cheer our hearts out. Even if it's just for a couple weeks every couple of years... it's something to celebrate. I know I will be.