Haven't had too much time to watch the Olympics this year, but I enjoy it when I get the chance.  Sometimes I wonder why some sports are actually Olympic events.  But it is fun to watch regardless. I also like to watch events in which there is an undisputed winner. For example, in the ski races there is no panel of judges to score one's performance.  The Superpipe and figure skating competitions are nice to watch and all, but it's all based on who a few select people think should win.

I am curious how good your TV coverage is in Italy (and elsewhere outside the USA).
Around 20 years ago, the coverage was full of *sports*.  Now, at least in the USA,
it is all 'human-interest feel-good' stories, excessive focus on on the the USA athletes,
filled out with too many commercials.  I confess I haven't watched much of these Olympics,
since the pattern of lame TV coverage for the past decade has turned me off.

I think, I could get digital TV and then pay extra for some real coverage now, but I am too cheep.  (So maybe it's my own fault?)

The whole event is broadcast by public television, which has dedicated an entire channel and its best journalists to the event.

Of course, the journalists pay particular attention to Italian athletes' performances, but I'd say they concentrate on the technical part rather than on the emotional one. I mean, they try to explain the audience principles and techniques of the different sports.

For what concerns the 'human-interest feel-good' stories, yesterday night there was a report on a couple of Chinese skaters who won the silver medal, althought the girl fell and probably got injured, but she managed to complete the exhibition. It was described as an example of the olympic ethos.

To sum up, we, the Italians, can enjoy a good coverage.

I can second what Mark Kness said about TV coverage. I also think it's a turn off.

I didn't watch the ski race but around here Bode Miller is a local celebrity because he's from New Hampshire. The local TV stations always talk about him.

Personally the only thing I wanted to watch about the Olympics was the snowboarding, but I already missed that. When it's all said and done with I'll look up the stats and see who won different things.

Also, that whole thing with Michelle Kwan?!  If they stopped showing her pity tape and covered some events i think we Americans would be much more content.  I mean I think she's a great athlete and all who got hurt..but...Big friggen deal. There are dozens of athletes at every olympics who get hurt and are unable to compete.  Way too much touchy-feely, kinda emotional coverage of the lives of the athletes here. I mean I understand it's important to acknowledge and be aware of their sacrifices/losses/accomplishments etc., but I've seen more about our American athletes and their careers then all the other games put together.

Since you are a skiier, which races do you make? What is your favorite? I watch downhill, it's the best for me!
I personally watch only skiing in TV

Since you are a skiier, which races do you make? What is your favorite? I watch downhill, it's the best for me!
I personally watch only skiing in TV

Slalom is my speciallity. I don't like high-speed races. I think that it is much better to make slalom races (I stopped to make down-hill races two years ago) than down-hill races. Giant slalom is also cool, super-G is OK...but Slalom is the best!