On Monday's show (5-6 pm on scoreonair.com), we'll reveal the Top 5 moments from the 2010 games in Vancouver. Without giving anything away before then, here are some thoughts on the most overrated/underrated stories from the games.
Overrated
-Counting medals: The After Party has been as guilty as anyone when it comes to providing daily medal counts, but in the end the totals don't matter nearly as much as the final order. Many sports (snowboarding, short track) weren't even around 16 years ago, so there are obviously more medals available now than ever before. Thirty-seven U.S. medals are great, but I'd take more pride in finishing ahead of Germany & Canada.
-Ohno's haul: Sure, it's amazing that Apolo Anton Ohno has been able to win mutliple medals in three different Olympics, but his record of eight medals is aided by the fact that there's not much difference in the short track speedskating events. Not many long-trackers can handle both the 500 meters and the 1500 meters... Which makes Eric Heiden's record five golds in 1980 all the more impressive (and more impressive than Ohno's eight medals overall).
Partying hard: When you win a gold, or any Olympic medal, you should be allowed to celebrate. Simple as that... No one was hurt, so let it go already.
Underrated
-Strange U.S. golds: With guys like Ohno and Bode Miller likely on the way out, America's ability to repeat as medals champ in 2014 depends on their ability to win medals in a variety of sports (they won't be able to rely on one guy to win three or four next time around). That makes their first ever medals (including a gold) in a nordic event and their reemergence in bobsled so important going forward.
-The newer events: We knew that hockey and figure skating would get the bulk of attention at these games. But kudos to the aerial events and speed skating events (many of which were added in recent Olympiads) for shining during their turns in the spotlight.
Much more coming in our complete Olympic wrap-up Monday.
-CB
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