Olympians and National Anthems

[catfell]

Does it bother anyone that most of the American gold medal winners don't sing the national anthem when it's played for their medal ceremony?

What's the deal with this? Most of the other countries athletes seem to sing their national anthems when they win their gold medals.

What's wrong with our (the American) athletes?

(rant over)

FYI. I'm as patriotic as the next guy, just mildly ashamed of the conduct of our athletes.

[GaijinGolfer]

Since when are they expected to sing along with the music? Whats wrong with just standing there, quietly, with their hand over their heart?
IMO, that doesnt make you less patrotic or less of an American.
Id say the bigger outrage in the olympics are the athletes who play for countries that they arent from merely because they are being paid to win medals for that country. Every country, even the USA, does it but I dont think its right.

[klaymon]

Not singing does not make you any less patriotic. I don't sing our anthem when at a sporting event, but don't let me see you talking or otherwise being disrespectful during it. I'll let you know about it.

[GaijinGolfer]

I agree, talking during the playing of our national anthem is rude. Infact, talking during ANY country's national anthem is just as rude.

[CG031]

They probably do not know the words.

[iQuest Golfer]

I agree about the talking or not being attentive during the National Anthem. I like to sing it because it's an expression of my fidelity to our country. Others do not like to sing but have that same fidelity... at least, I trust they do.

I especially like the fourth verse of the Star Spangled Banner... having served our country, that verse sums up what America means to me.

[Soup Fan]

What bothered me most about the Olympics (well, aside from the fact that they are televised), is that none of the American swim team seemed to know where their hearts are located.

One guy was holding his boob. One guy was in his armpit. The other was below his sternum and the other guy was holding below his boob.

Morons.

[Soup Fan]

Oh, and one other thing majorly annoyed me.

[Scratch-Hopeful]

Oh, and one other thing majorly annoyed me.

Because they got really excited and celebrated? Come on, let them have a little fun with it. I mean, I rarely get into swimming but just by watching the last 50 meters of that race I knew that I was watching an AMAZING performance happen. To run down Bernard (world record holder, I think?) to win the gold for his relay team in unprecedented style is something to get excited about. Plus, Phelps is pretty young at 23 years old.

[Soup Fan]

They just look dumb, is all.

What is worse, though, was the mens gymnastics team who backed their way into a bronze metal and were celebrating and posturing to the camera, popping their shirts and saying inane things like "that's how we roll."

Meanwhile, they panned over to the Japanese team who won the silver and seemed pretty bummed about it...like, you know, they expected more of themselves.

[TinCupTampa]

Backed into the bronze? Are you serious? They lost the defending mens all around gold medalist and his twin brother that were the roots of the team. They were competing with two alternates... one who became active just a few days before the olympics began. Saying they backed into anything is absurd... after the injuries, anyone would have said they were lucky to win a medal at all.

[ganjagolfer]

our national anthem needs a facelift, its too hard to sing and lacks melody. "god bless america" is more appealing

[ganjagolfer]

also, michael phelps should take up golf. he would in no time, win the grand slam

[Soup Fan]

I suppose their win was rather unexpected, but I still don't think it gives them the right to act like complete asshats.

[The Rambler]

Oh, and one other thing majorly annoyed me.

They beat the French by.08 seconds who told them that their one goal for the Olympics was

Frenchy: The Americans? We're going to smash them. That's what we came here for."

I don't know about you but I'd be pretty pumped

Oh and they came from 3/4 of a body length down...

[Stacey_E]

our national anthem needs a facelift, its too hard to sing and lacks melody. "god bless america" is more appealing

Wasn't this song just a lyrical remake of "God Save The Queen"? But I'll admit it is easier to sing for most people.

I'm not gonna hate on our athletes. I think one of the few things wrong with America is everyone wants to hate on everyone.

[ganjagolfer]

i'm more concerned about politicians who are trashing the constitution and eroding our civil liberties than folks being a tad informal on the medal stand and who by all accounts, show no disrespect for the flag

[joshtpa]

How can anyone get upset with the celebrating of these athletes. Most of them work their entire lives to get to THIS MOMENT. They dont do it for the money or for anything else. They do it for the love of the sport and their pride. Michael Phelps has a chance to go down as one of the greatest olympic athletes ever. That was a come from behind victory against a team that trash talked against the US right before the games began. Do you get just as disgusted with all athletes celebrating? Get rid of Tigers fist pump? Get rid of NFL celebrations. Get rid of everything I guess. Most athletes feel overwhelming emotion during times like these. I think its great to see the celebrations. These athletes are doing it for the right reasons. Let them enjoy their time.