Every four years, the world watches as athletes from all over the globe come together to compete for Olympic gold. Not only is it a time for global unity, but it is also a reason for family and friends to spend time with one another as they root for their home country. Obviously, as we are all sitting there staring at the TV or computer, there are some common questions that we can't help but think about. Whether you say them aloud or keep them to yourself, you've had to at least thought about some of these things this week.
1. Is Michael Phelps human?
This is a serious question, though. He has won how many gold medals now… 21? He’ll probably have even more by the time this article gets published. I barely have the energy to pick up the remote let alone go out and break records left and right.
2. Woah, did that just happen?
Whether it's been in shock (like the US women's soccer team losing in penalty kicks) or in amazement (like Simone Biles nearly sticking every landing in her floor routines), I can guarantee that this question has been asked more than once.
3. What are those weird looking circles on the athletes’ skin?
It’s cupping, not birth marks nor scars. The athletes believe that it’s a way to take the soreness away from their muscles. The more you know.
4. Why are the officials still holding competitions in the green pool?
But really? Like isn’t that really bad for their health? Oh wait, hold on. They finally closed it after a few days? How kind.
5. Why didn’t my parents put me in gymnastics when I was little?
Not that soccer and track weren’t fun, but having the ability to do those ridiculous flipping combinations would have been amazing. However, in reality, doing a cartwheel on the floor is hard let alone on a balance beam, so maybe it was for the best.
6. Why do the Chinese gymnasts look suspiciously young?
The age requirement for women's gymnastics is 16 years old, but some of China’s women gymnasts look a little younger than that. There are other people questioning this, too, so it isn't farfetched wondering about it.
7. How is it possible to tread water for that long in water polo?
Touching the ground would be so tempting, especially while trying to pivot and throw the ball at the same time.
8. Why aren’t the medalists holding flowers on the podium?
Since Rio is going for an environmentally friendly Olympics, flowers for 2,500 medalists is not the best idea. Instead, they receive a wooden replica of the Rio Olympic logo.
9. Why are all the P&G commercials “Thank You Mom” and not “Thank You Mom and Dad”?
As much as I love these commercials, I’ve yet to see a “Thank You Mom and Dad” or just a “Thank You Dad” commercial. Both deserve recognition.
10. Why are the Russians even allowed to compete?
They failed drug tests, so they shouldn’t be allowed to compete. Period. Bless Lilly King for saying it.
11. How do gymnasts have that much control over their body?
I still don’t understand how they flip their bodies around mid air and land on their feet. My shins hurt watching.
12. Did I really just watch four hours of the Olympics?
When you look at the clock and realize you had a lot to do... The Summer Olympics only happens every four years, so there's your excuse
13. Wait this isn’t even live right now?
It’s the worst when you realize an event already happened, and you wasted all your energy screaming at the TV when you could have just checked Google for the results. Hey, not everything can be live streamed on NBC.
14. How did I get so lucky to be an American?
Not only is our medal count way above any other country, but the way in which the athletes care equally about their victories as well as their teammates' victories makes me proud that they represent our country. When the national anthem plays, I can’t help but get goose bumps because the country we live in is so great.
One week in Rio down, one to go! If you need me, I'll be watching Simone Biles slay everyone.
