Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler London 2012 Summer Olympics

We were watching the men's gymnastics too - unbelievable! Ian said only two guys in his high school could do the iron cross.

We watched a bit of the US women's qualifiers and I couldn't believe how many more rotations women do now than a decade ago. It's like figure skating too, I guess - the training just gets better and better. Man, the human body is a marvel.

Off the top of my mind swimming would use pretty much every muscle (legs, arms, chest even the muscles in the neck) and while not at a competitive level most people can do it competently.

I'm more impressed with the rings in terms of how the muscles in the body are utilized and that is more focused with just the upper body.

Gymnasts are amazing, that's for sure, but how one excels is all the same. You choose to be a specific type of athlete, you dedicate yourself to attaining the best you can, and you train. For gymnasts to accomplish what they can, their path was no different from a rower or swimmer.

The chances of a catastrophic failure at the highest level of competition seems much more likely in gymnastics than in any other sport. I mean, there is "faster and slower", but when gymnasts don't perform to their peak, they fall on their faces. Much smaller margin of error between excellence, competence and failure.

A moment of silence for the 11 Israeli Olympic athletes and coaches murdered in 1972 by Palestinian terrorists.

Gymnastics. I think gymnastics are the highest expression of human grace, strength and coordination.

I forgot to hit [quote] but the following was originally posted by Wheelz.
"Question - is their another Olympic sport that consistently uses every muscle in your body?"


Absolutely.
Between 1912 and 1952, you could compete in Olympic Architecture. Man, those guys were ripped!!!
Not to mention the Olympic Painting event. It doesn't get more gruelling than that.

Of course that was all before steroids. Imagine the buildings you could spec out out if you had the roids!

Think I'm kidding??? Art competitions at the Olympic Games.

I remember 1972. I continue to be horrified.

Off the top of my head:

Water Polo
Swimming
Judo
Wrestling
Gymnastics
Kayaking
Pole Vault
High Jump
Long Jump
Triple Jump
Javelin
Discus
Hammer Toss
Shot Put
Hurdles
Volleyball
Basketball
Weightlifting

Rowing is a great and physically grueling sport -- don't get me wrong -- but your extraordinary claim that it is "easily the most difficult sport in the Olympics" requires extraordinary support.

I once paddled in a Davy Crockett Explorer Canoe and it was easily the hardest thing I did at Disneyland that day. Mainly because it was noon, 100 degrees, and the only way we were getting back to shade was to paddle ourselves back to the landing.

Um, except nobody else was f**king paddling!!! Except the guide and me. And yes, the little girl behind me must've thought hitting my paddle with hers was part of the "ride." I suggested she next visit "It's a Small World of Coordination."


I needed some Mickey Mouse Deodorant after that adventure.

This is spot on.