Olympic Games transcend sports in human interest view

There are reasons that Olympic Games are special events. They are sports, however, they transcend sports generously. Communities see the value in countries competing for a sense of national pride, however, the drama, excellence, and competition every four years, or twice every four years if you include both summer Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Games.

That the Summer Games in Toyko even started, is a testimony to dogged determination and vigilance, even one year later than originally scheduled. Toyko has problems with COVID-19 and there have been infections, however, none tragic, within the Olympic Villages.

There are enough sports to satisfy the avid sports fans, from rowing to baseball to track and field to swimming to gymnastics to the first-time skate-boarding. The casual fan and non-sports fan may find items of interest just because of the nature of the world-wide interest. That the top-notch gymnast, Simone Biles, of the United States pulled out of the team competition because conditions were not quite right shows the stress, mentally and physically, the athletes undergo. There are delicate balances. We may find out later of the exact cause of her withdrawal from team competition. Rumors will abound until we know the exact nature.

This week in The Voice is a nice focus on two Olympians, Lauren Carlini of Aurora (thevoice.us/olympics-honor-lauren-carlini) and Kevin McDowell (thevoice.us/usa-olympic-athletes-ties-run-strong-deep), originally from Geneva. Carlini, a star volleyball player at both West Aurora High School and an all-America at the University of Wisconsin, was named an alternate to the U.S. volleyball team. McDowell took sixth place in the rugged triathlon earlier this week. Training produces results in three consecutive events, swimming, biking, and running. The excellent athletes add to the luster of the Olympic Games.

Below is an interest list of previous modern Olympic Games Summer sites and the future sites for the next three games. Los Angeles in 2028 will be interesting. The first Olympic Games to make money was in Los Angeles in 1984.

• The Major League Baseball trade deadline Friday, July 30, could offer no movement, or, contenders for the playoffs may make key trades. The tantalizing dates draw interest in baseball circles every year. Will the Cubs unload big contracts? Will the White Sox make a minor move to fortify one element of their drive to the pennant and participation in the World Series?

First things first. The Sox must win their Central Division, or, at least be one of five teams in the American League to qualify for the playoffs. The Cubs this week must win their series with the Cincinnati reds, just to pass them and to think a playoff berth is accessible if the team can get hot. The Cubs must find a consistent offense and improved pitching to have any opportunity for a playoff berth.

• The Illinois High School Association was to have sent high football schedules two weeks ago, however, the major of the schools have not completed their schedules. Perhaps playing a Spring schedule in March and April put schools behind in putting together schedules. No doubt there will be other consequences caused by the COVID-19. Sports and society in general will not recover for at least another year. Will we have another pandemic soon?