Rusty Saber: Olympians receive much-deserved attention

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.

At this writing, the summer Olympic games are at the midway point. The interest Americans have in the Olympics on TV is curious to me. Curious, because few of us hear much, if anything, about many of these sporting events at any other time.

This reminds me of what I call the "World Series phenomenon," where people who don't follow baseball during the season become fans during the World Series.

I call it "Olympics phenomenon," where people become temporary fans of sports like swimming, gymnastics, fencing, beach volleyball, judo, archery, etc.

I believe the Olympic contestants are awesome. It is admirable the way the world's athletes and coaches, all from different cultures, speaking different languages, can come together to compete peacefully on the world stage before the TV cameras. I am thrilled that athletes who receive little attention at other times are able to capture the attention of the world, if only briefly.

I do believe, however, the vast sums of money spent by cities bidding to host the games is a terrible waste. The losers are out only the millions the bidding process costs. The winners add to their bidding expenses untold millions of dollars to organize the event and construct the elaborate facilities. Additional millions of dollars are spent on antiterrorism security.

I do understand the PR benefits host cities receive from the focus of the world's attention. I wonder: When the last athlete, spectator and TV camera have departed Athens, will it have been worth the effort and expense?

The TV coverage of the games is excellent, but, I believe coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies is vastly overdone.

It is entirely proper for the participating athletes to parade by in all their glory. The TV folks should cover them. It is the lavish and expensive ceremonies after the parade of athletes at opening and closing ceremonies that are uncalled for.

Not that I would be asked, but if I were, I'd recommend that when the last athlete has basked in the spotlight, the proper official should come to the podium. At the opening exercises, the official should welcome everyone, thank them for coming and close with "Let the games begin." At the closing, the official should congratulate the athletes, thank everyone for coming and close up shop.

If the athletes want to party, let them. If TV wants to cover the party, fine. Watching the superb athletes perform in sports such as gymnastics, track and field, and the like, it's apparent they train year-round to hone their physical skills to such a fine point. The last place finisher in an event is a superb athlete.

Many foreign athletes are superstars at home. In America, far too many athletes compete outside the spotlight that shines on such sports as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf and tennis. Although competitive swimming makes for truly exciting TV coverage, it is unlikely that we will see ABC's "Monday Night Swimming."

Olympic gold medals are highly prized; however, while winning gold in fencing is great for self-esteem and national pride, winning the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament does a lot more for the bank account.

Sad, but true.