The Beijing Olympics

Pet peeve, but you'll have to forgive me...

This is how the American press has been reporting the medals table from Beijing.

2008 Medals

Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
USA 36 38 36 110
China 51 21 28 100
Russia 23 21 28 72
G. Britain 19 13 15 47
Australia 14 15 17 46

Germany 16 10 15 41

This is how the rest of the world has been reporting the medals table from Beijing.

2008 Medals

At-a-glance medals table Sunday, 24 August 2008
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze TOTAL
1 China 51 21 28 100
2 USA 36 38 36 110
3 Russia 23 21 28 72
4 G.Britain 19 13 15 47
5 Germany 16 10 15 41
6 Australia 14 15 17 46

Now, don't misunderstand me, I love the "can-do" attitude that still predominates in the US, that's one of the reasons we're here. It's certainly much better than the constant whining that predominates in certain parts of old Europe. I think it's great that Michael Phelps can get 8 gold medals (and even better that he can eat three fried egg sandwiches for breakfast, with extra mayo, and still be a phenomenal athlete).

However, you don't always need to be first at everything. It's alright to compete (as a nation) and come second. You don't have to fiddle the numbers to make it look like you came out on top.

I thought it was competing that mattered, and doing your best.

For a better perspective you might like to read about the Icelandic Handball Team, and others who came, and competed, and lost, but had a great time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/08/world_view_of_beijing.html

OK, peeve over.