More Olympic Commentary

Michael Phelps swam in the 200-meter butterfly final and set a new personal best an a new American record. Unfortunately, he only came in third (Ian Thorpe won). So even though Phelps performed tremendously, he failed to meet the ridiculously high expectations others set for him, and therefore, it's somehow considered a disappointment. Say what?

The U.S. defeated Croatia in last night's water polo game, 7-6. It was shown after midnight, but I got to see some of it because I couldn't sleep. You know, I love to watch water polo, and I rarely get the chance to do so, so why do they have to show it at such an inconvenient time?

Also, I'm sure a lot of my fellow Yanks were pleased to see the U.S. win the water polo match against Croatia, even though they probably wouldn't be caught dead watching non-Olympic water polo. Fact: The U.S. won the water polo World Cup in 2001. Question: Where were you couch potatoes then?

Natalie Coughlin won the 100-meter backstroke race. She is American swimming's heartbreak kid no longer. :-) Kristy Coventry of Zimbabwe won the silver. She is sure to be welcomed as a heroine in her homeland. Unless, of course, her father owns a farm. :-(

Iraq won two men's soccer games - first against Portugal, then against Costa Rica. They've apparently been coasting on the post-Saddam euphoria back home - and Iraqi fans have been running onto the field to congratulate them before the games even end! Wow, they could win the gold, if this keeps up! :-D

Stay tuned . . ..