orangeman

I normally agree that sport should be left out of politics. However, in ancient Greece warring factions would agree to a ceasefire in order to participate in the Olympics. In this case, Ukrainian athletes are unable to participate in several cases due to Russia's illegal invasion. It would be incredibly poor optics to allow Russian athletes to travel the world freely and compete for their country while their government prevents competitors from Ukraine to do the same. Further, in an effort to avoid all out physical war, countries are attempting to end this as peacefully as possible. Excluding and embarrassing Russia, including through sport, is part of that effort. Banning Russian sports teams and athletes actually is an attempt at peace.

I was able to attend the Closing Ceremonies. The goodie bag given to us was noticeable less exciting (no branded hats, mitts, etc.). This was only a concern because there was nothing for sale at either Ceremony or the hockey game I went to. All stores in town are virtually sold out for months now, too. You have to wonder what would have happened if millions of people were here like what was supposed to happen. I don't want to be negative, because this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, but it's like the organizers went out of their way to suck any spirit out of these Olympics, although the volunteers were incredibly nice and helpful. I'll tell more stories later. For now, here are some pictures!

I can tell you that in the stadium, the speech is up on the screen in English, French and Chinese as he's talking, so it has obviously been submitted beforehand.

Thanks @rafalgorkafor all these polls! It was really fun. I appreciate your work!

Well, I'm off to the Closing Ceremonies. Hopefully it's entertaining, because it's another long day. Will report back!

Well, Canada still holds the record for most gold medals by a host country! Yay?

With that bronze ROC and Canada have set a new record for bronze medals.

I know you mostly just troll, but to be clear I wasn't talking about Friedrich. But please go on.

That was close, but Bronze for Canada! Frustrating because you can out-pilot the Germans all day like Kripps did there, and still lose time.

Nice to see another nation join the medal table in hockey!

There it is!

SUI lets SWE off the hook and misses their last shot. But it should have never come down to that. Entertaining finish to a boring start.

The plot thickens here in the bronze medal game entering the 10th end.

Just kdding! It's 5th. Appiah managed to finish 8th after crashing on run 3, so that's impressive. There's just no way to beat the German sleds.

Looks like 4th for our bobsledders tonight. Second 4th today. Remember when we complained about 4th places? I think this will be #8 or #9.

For an 11pm EST start of a women's hockey game.