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NOW, are you excited for the Olympics?

Aug 8, 2008, 12:35 PM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: Olympics, Sports, Television

Michaelphelps_l The Olympics have officially opened in Beijing, and though we will have to wait until midnight ET tonight — after NBC's four-and-a-half hour broadcast — to name our favorite moments from the opening ceremony, I'm prepared to say the "illuminated dancers" make the cut.

Sports, some say, is the ultimate reality TV, so naturally PopWatch will be watching. Our coverage plans: Olympic Stud of the Day, a daily tribute to the man or woman who, as Annie puts it, "flamed our torch" the night before. He or she can do this by winning gold, fighting the good fight, cracking us up, or looking hellahot. (We do not discriminate on the basis of talent. Hey, this is just like reality TV!). We'll also have a best/worst moments of the opening ceremony item posted on Saturday morning. (Oh, will the mascots be as cute as we hope?)

Which athletes do you already have your eye on? (We'll take note.) And will you miss U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps' porn 'stache? We're assuming Phelps, pictured, will shave before he competes. Wouldn't want that resistance to stand between him and those eight gold medals.

? Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 07:45 AM EST

Michael Phelps!

Nathan Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 08:50 PM EST

The good news for China is that even if they don't win the most medals, they'll probably end up with the most stabbings.

Kelly Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

I am inclined to echo the vote for Adam van Koeverden, he was on the cover of a few Canadian newspapers yesterday. I think everyone who saw it couldn't help but say 'damn!'

BrandonK Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 06:58 AM EST

I nominate Yao Ming as the Stud of the Day from the opening ceremony. He's so impressive, and he was so cute with the kid who survived the earthquake. (I would have nominated him, but I guess he's not technically an athlete...and he was 10?! He looked 5!)

AA Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 06:17 PM EST

Agreed, Jaime, Ryk is also pretty smokin'.

Crystal Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

It's Olympics time! I'm ready for diving, pole vault, fencing and equestrian shenanigans.

Like all caps Jaime, I had a big heart to heart with my TiVo and cleared off a LOT of stuff to make way for the NBC invasion.

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

Oh wow AA that guy is cute. . .lol you need to go to Ryk Neethling web page and go to his gallery OMG HE IS BEAUTIFUL!

bunnyhop Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

YEAH PHELPS! TAKE IT ALL OFF! (and I'm not referring to the pornstache.)

please Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Your depth continues to amaze.

AA Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

Thanks Jaime: it's my ongoing quest to get the media to stop referring to the Opening Ceremony in the plural! Mission accomplished on this blog entry--thanks Mandi! And my vote for an athlete to watch? Adam van Koeverden: Canadian kayaker. Yummmmmmmm.

Sarah C Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

I've got dibs on Aaron Peirsol (backstroke swimmer). And I'm looking forward to seeing Eamon Sullivan from Australia.

Catherine Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

I was in Melbourne last year for the FINA...Good times!!

Dawn Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

Pieter van den Hoogenband is my favorite swimmer, not only because his name is freakin' awesome, but he's a great athlete.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_van_den_Hoogenband

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

For stud of the day keep an eye out for Ryk Neethling he is from South Africa and omg he is BEAUTIFUL seriously he is in swimming...google image him or go to his web page trust you wont regret it.

On a serious note im looking fwd to see Raj Bhavasar perform for the USA Gymnastics team, he is from HOUSTON TX and was named in alternate but now that Paul Hamm wont be performing he is. HE IS A GREAT GYMNAST AND GLAD HE IS GETTING HIS CHANCE.

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

AA - ONLY ONE OPENING CEREMONY(Hense "opening" they only start once) and then CLOCING CEREMONY (they only end once)

Catherine Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

How I love the swimming competition...

Snarf Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

Am I excited? Well after looking at that pic....

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

OMG I AM MORE EXCITED ABOUT THIS THAN ANY ONE I KNOW. . .MY DVR IS GOING TO BE ON OVERLOAD! I CANT WAIT FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY AND FOR THE EVENTS THAT WILL UNFOLD THROUGH OUT THE 17days IT IS THE BEST FORM OF REALITY TV B/C YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. WILL SOMEONE TRIP WILL SOMEONE MAKE A POLITICAL STATEMENT WILL THEIR BE ANY TYPE OF TERRORIST ATTACK. . .YOU HAVE ALL TYPES OF SUSPENSE!

AA Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

(Sorry, don't mean to be snarky. It's just one of my Olympic pet peeves.)

AA Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

Just wondering... how many opening "ceremonies" are there?

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