Like most everyone out there, I watched my fair shar of Olympic coverage over the last two plus weeks. I don’t think anyone can doubt there spectacular and inspirational performances. From Phelps, to Bolt, to Natalie du Toit all were something to behold. The problem I have with the Olympics is that sometimes with all the world’s greatest athletes on one stage it can become easy to lose perspective. Sure there are world records, but with changes in dieting, practice, swimsuits, and moustaches, how do you measure?
Perspective, defined as “The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole” is what I believe will make the Olympics an even greater event. And when I say greater event, I mean more TV ratings. In todays world that’s what it’s all about. So to keep the Olympic Games in “perspective” I’d like the IOC to put into effect a “wild-card” spot for each Olympic event. This would be a common man or woman who’d compete against the world’s elite so every could see just how amazing these athletes are.
Where do we get these “wild cards”? McDonald’s, of course! Let’s face it, McDonald’s has more global reach than any other sponsor of the games. And with all the Olympians on the Mickey D ads during the Games it’s apparent to me, that eating at McDonalds will make you a great athlete. To implement this before the London games would be a piece of cake. MMM cake. Think Monopoly peel tabs meshed with the golden tickets from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Lucky winners from all over the world would bring these “golden tabs” to London and have the right to compete in the games. No disrespect to Chinese gymnastics or the elderly, but to keep the competition close, let’s limit this to the ages of 16-40.
I don’t know about you but I’d love to see Manuel Riverio, the mechanic from Portugal who’s idea of run is what he gets after eating Auntie’s meatloaf, take on Bolt in the 100. Or how about Sammy Jimberson, the part-time bookkeeper, and self-professed D&D wiz, jump in the pool lane next to Phelps. NBC wants ratings, this will give you ratings!
Granted the result will be the same but for those millions of us who can’t see the games in person, this would undoubtedly give us perspective on how great these athletes really are. Anyhow, that’s my random thought for the day.
