Summer Olympics

Toroid

Founding Member
The summer games start on August 5th in Rio. There's massive pollution in their waters including human waste. Some athletes have boycotted the games due to health risks from their environment and the Zika virus.

2016 Rio Olympics date and everything you need to know about the games
When are the Olympics?
Aug. 5 - Aug. 21, kind of.

A few sports like soccer start on Aug. 3 because their tournaments take longer to finish. The opening ceremony, however, is on Aug. 5.

Who's lighting the torch?
It's always kept a secret, but most think Brazilian soccer legend Pelé will do the honors at the opening ceremony.

Where are all the Russians?

They cheated -- big time -- and paid the price. Over 100 Russian athletes have been banned from the Olympics, including the entire track and field team.

What's Zika?
While it may sound like a famous one-name Brazilian athlete, Zika is a virus suspected of causing birth defects that has spread across the Americas, including Brazil. It caused many potential Olympians to back out of the games.

Who's NOT going to the Olympics?
So you don't embarrass yourself, here are some notable athletes who will NOT be competing in Rio.

Basketball: Steph Curry, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul

Golf: Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, anyone else you've heard of.

Tennis: Roger Federer, possibly Rafael Nadal (great ... the only two tennis players you know)

Which Americans should I know?
Want to be able to spout off some names to make it sound like you're informed? Keep this list handy.
 

Toroid

Founding Member
I'm getting the feeling the Olympics in Rio have been intentionally designed to show the world what we're doing to the planet with pollution.
 

nivek

As Above So Below
That could be true, there are a lot of man made problems hindering the Olympics..
 

nivek

As Above So Below
Looks like the flag of the protesters said 'occupy' like those occupy Wallstreet protests we had in the US.
 

nivek

As Above So Below
I don't think pro sports like basketball or baseball should not be a part of the Olympics...Granted some events may be team efforts, I think the Olympics shows more individual efforts in representing their country...
 

Toroid

Founding Member
USA gets a gold in women's 400 meter freestyle and a new world record is set.

Katie Ledecky smashes world record to win Olympic gold in 400-meter freestyle
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Toroid

Founding Member
Cupping is a fad with the Olympic athletes. :eek:

There's no evidence cupping works. Why is it so popular?
Don't be surprised if your friends and neighbors are soon covered in purple spots.

"Cupping" is poised to become the latest fad.

Swimming champion Michael Phelps' use of cupping, a type of alternative medicine intended to ease muscle pain, has attracted nearly as much attention as his latest gold medal.

Cupping, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, involves using cups to create suction on the skin. Fans claim that pulling the skin away from the body improves their blood flow. What's not in dispute: The procedure leaves people covered in dark purple marks.

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nivek

As Above So Below
Olympians competing in full-Muslim garb are far from 'liberated'

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Saudi society, in particular, is one of the most repressive societies on Earth, and it was only in 2012 when its female athletes were allowed to compete. These women have no doubt fought tough battles to get to where they are.

But the ridiculous garb they are forced to wear in order to be able to compete is not a representation of freedom, but the symbol of the chains with which such countries and backward beliefs still shackle women. Western feminists are right to encourage such women, but should be helping them cast those chains aside -- not holding them up as a perverse symbol of freedom.

Olympians competing in full-Muslim garb are far from 'liberated'
 
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