Television can make anything look good and the Olympics are the biggest worldwide athletic event. I am clear that both conspire to cover-up many adverse circumstances. Despite this, there are many inspirational events that are viewed around the world.

Last night Usain Bolt became the first man to ever win three consecutive gold medals in the 100 meter dash. Not his best time time, but clearly he is the best ever. And, then there was the young lady (16 years old) who finished last by a large margin in a distance event. She was there representing her country (which I didn’t recognize) and it was equally inspiring.

One of the neat things is that once an Olympian, always an Olympian. Yes, there are the three medal winners in every event. They had a good day and are rewarded, rightfully so. There are the first-timers and the oldsters. All worked their fannies off to get to Rio. I had an opportunity to be an Olympic basketball player in 1960. I didn’t get selected. Trying again four years later never occurred to me as being an option.

Missy Franklin, who starred in the London games swimming pool, returned to Rio and failed to win. In interviews she vows to return in 2020. That’s four years of laps in the pool to prepare. That has us see how great an honor it is to compete.

I have a concern. Is Rio going to capitalize on hosting the Olympics? Or, is it going to turn the site into a train wreck? That’s something that has happened to previous host cities. Many promises are made to get the honor of hosting. Few have been kept in the past.

The TV view of Rio is beautiful. What is left unrevealed in the background? What didn’t work? Will the cost be worth it? The opportunity is so great. What needs to happen to be a win for everyone?
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