Tuesday, July 31, 2012

You don't own Ryan Lochte

If you walked into my house right now the first thing you would notice is how, probably just like half of the world, my television is tuned to the Olympics.



I am a lover of all sports so I certainly don't discriminate. In the past four days I have watched Cameron Van Der Burgh break the world record in the 100m breaststroke, many indoor and beach volleyball matches, Tom Daley having his swimsuit slide down below his butt after a dive, Great Britain  achieve their first medal in gymnastics in a very long time, and even some water polo and equestrian too. To put it lightly I'm a fan. 

One thing that does bother me is the idea of superiority that some fans have when their "favorite" becomes famous. It really parallels everyone's attitude's about bands going "mainstream" or "selling out." So what, you knew about Ryan Lochte four years ago, it doesn't mean you own the right to being his fan. Oh, you've followed men's rowing since you were born so obviously anyone else liking them is an abomination to the world of fans. Get over yourself. Instead of getting your panties in a wad over your favorite athlete getting new fans, shouldn't you be happy that he or she is doing amazing thus gaining the new fans you despise so much? Can we all just appreciate this:

Ryan Lochte celebrating his gold medal.

I thought so. 

This man, won a gold medal, and it doesn't matter if you knew about him when he came out of the womb or if you just became a fan because he won gold for the best country in the world, 'Merica. Let's all just have a beer and join in on a mutual chant of USA! and be happy for these athletes. 

2 comments:

  1. Word.
    Tomy Daly's speedo? Hawt. I love the Olympics!

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  2. Here here.

    I don't know a great deal about swimming, although I watch all the Olympic and world championship races, but Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps have provided some of my favourite moments of the Games.

    And I'm English.

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