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I read an article on jsonline today that really summarized a lot of my feelings about the US Olympic team sports such as basketball, softball, and soccer. Although the article speaks only of the US womens’ basketball team, I think the general concept of it can be brought over to all of the sports.

I won’t try and paraphrase the entire article, but basically the author keys in on reasons why the womens’ team was so much more successful than the guys. This IS the pinnicle of their sporting careers. Sure, they play in the WNBA, but they aren’t making the money that the men make, and they aren’t playing for what seems like 9 months out of the year. They are honored to be on the Olympic team, because for them, this is what being the best in the United States is about.

I think the same can be carried over to sports like softball and soccer. With basketball, these are three gold medals that the women of the US brought home this year. Mens basketball had to settle for the bronze, and the mens baseball and soccer teams didn’t even qualify. In years to come, I hope that we decide our Olympic teams on people that WANT to be there. Not for the fame, or the extra paycheck, or the extra stardom, but because they want to be there and play on a team to represent the best of the United States.

So, this is the end of my Olympic obsession for another 2 1/2 years until the winter Olympics comes around. It’s been a fun two weeks, and I must admit–I’m going to miss watching ping pong on tv.