Tim Johnston's China Check-In

Alright, so the past couple days here in Beijing have been insane or better yet Usain! As in Usain Bolt, from Jamaica. That guy can run, and that's really the understatement of the games...kind of like saying Michael Phelps can kinda swim. I actually took the opportunity to go last night to see Bolt run the 200m, and I was not disappointed. I witnessed blazing speed. When a guy can set two world record's in the 100 and 200 meter races, while smoking the field and having time to look back behind him...that's some kind of talent! So I've come to the realization that my time here is coming to a close, and like I said in my video, my time over here has been amazing. I have really enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. For me, I've found it quite challenging to put into words all that I've seen. It's tricky...and really how can you summarize the largest sporting event that brings nations together in spite of what's happening outside the Olympic circle? The atmosphere and the loving spirit has been inspiring. But again, how can you accurately and efficiently put that into words? I have to say though meeting other producers, editors, reporters, and camera operators from Denmark, Australia, Great Britain, Chile, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, and of course China has been a great treat for a young reporter trying to learn all he can. I'll move past my little sentimental moment and talk about something really fun. While being over here in Beijing, I have somehow managed to find a Texas Connection around every corner. What could make any Texan more proud than being in another country and still hearing, "I'm from Texas, too, what part are you from?" The other day I was wearing an A&M shirt in support for my sister who starts there this fall, and all of a sudden, Texans came out of nowhere to talk to me! It was crazy, you cannot escape the Texas Connection! Even I'm guilty of getting excited and approaching complete strangers when I see they are wearing something from Texas. I noticed an American family sitting at an Italian restaurant (yes, they have those here...THANK YOU, LORD!) and the son was wearing an A&M t-shirt...I couldn't help myself. I tried to play it cool, but in the end I couldn't resist making the connection. I'm telling you, the Texas Connection runs deep. Okay, I'm going to end my update with these thoughts that have amused me while I've been here:-I got to see Chris Collinsworth from NBC walk by today. He's tall and lanky, just like I thought he would be.-I've mentioned the Chinese owned and operated Italian Restaurant...but get this, some of my friends have come across a Tex-Mex place in China, but owned by Germans. Go ahead, let all of that soak in....-Can you really trust a driver named, Wang Wei? That's pronounced, "Wong Way." The answer may surprise you, but yes, you can. I promise, one of the drivers I had was named Wang Wei. -A friend of mine had the pleasure of watching Bob Costas interview Phelps a few days ago...he described it like this. "Everything Costas says is like pure diamonds falling from his mouth."-The same friend has also coined a nickname for Phelps and is hoping that it will spread: Poseidon, god of the waters. But the Chinese fans just call him a fish. Well, that's enough. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the rants.
-Tim


~Michelle Dapper
KRBC Sports Director

Tim Johnston Checks In from Beijing

Okay, I have to keep this brief, I've got a busy day. These are pics I took of the Water Cube at night! The venue changes colors, and the building actually has a heavy plastic to make the bubble effect! There is also the National Stadium (aka birds nest) at night. The two venues are one behind the other and just across the street. Two very popular venues and very close... It's a very pretty place. There is another building is of the Olympic Village where the athletes live, they hang their country's flag outside of their rooms! It's very cool and you can see the pride they have for their country. Alright gotta run, Dap.

Tim Johnston
KRBC Reporter



~Michelle Dapper
KRBC Sports Director

Abilene Native, David Boudia picked to grab the Bronze

Sports Illustrated Magazine selected David Boudia and partner, Thomas Finchum to snab the Bronze in the Men's Synchronized Diving Platform.

We will have to wait and see if they make the splash.
Good Luck Fellas and prove 'em wrong...GO FOR THE GOLD!

~Michelle Dapper
KRBC Sports Director

Beijing Report with KRBC's Tim Johnston

Hey Everybody! So the countdown is on to the start of the Beijing games and everywhere around the city, flags are flying and people are genuinely excited! Just arriving in Beijing, Olympic volunteers will bend over backwards to help out, and make sure that you are taken care of. The city is electric at night, and around the venues crowds gather taking pictures and watching shows. The other day I went to Ti an 'an men Square, where a crowd gathered around large Olympic displays, and for special events. And let's just say, these crowds are HUGE! We're talking jammed pack in an open square! But, the sights over here are amazing, I've taken some time to go to the Great Wall and other places. Let me say, the Great Wall is...well...GREAT! I mean this thing is so big and the stairs to get around on the wall are pretty intense. But the sights from the top were beautiful! And these stadiums that have been built for the games are so well done that the sight from the outside is overwhelming. Like the Aquatic Center, aka The Water Cube, it looks like a giant blue box with bubbles on it, but at night I am told the building changes colors and has a light show that lights up the sky. I am hoping to see that soon, and when I do, you can bet I'll take pictures! As for the games, athletes are arriving every day. Already at some sights, athletes were going through practices and final training before everything starts. Also earlier on Tuesday (here, Monday night there) there were special flag raising ceremonies at the Olympic Village, which is pretty impressive to see. From the streets you can see athletes hanging their country's flag from the their windows and balconies...some down the entire side of the building! It really is neat to be around so many countries and to see all of the pride everyone has. Alright, well that's all for now, I will keep you updated with more fun stuff from Beijing!

~Tim Johnston
KRBC Sports


Michelle Dapper
KRBC Sports Director

Approaching the End of the Road for Olympic Softball....For Now...

It's no surprise that the United States has dominated softball in the Olympics as much as any team sport in the Games.

Since its debut in 1996, the U.S. team has lost just four games in three Olympics, and won the gold medal in all three years. But 2008 marks the swansong for softball in the Olympics. It will not be played in London in 2012.

What seems to bother me the most is the vague explanation given by the International Olympic Committee for its decision.

One reason for the sports departure is that softball closely resembles baseball. Well, maybe, but there are A LOT of things that set it apart.

Another, is the fact that the United States clearly dominates the sport, winning all three Olympic gold medals. What's wrong with that? Other countries need to step up to the plate!

One theory that may make some sort of sense... "is the sport's perceived lack of universality." Since softball's debut, only four countries - The United States, Australia, China and Japan - have taken home medals.

In other countries, softball is unheard of... I guess that IS a major disadvantage, but they don't participate! So how are you affected if you are not in the competition? The list this year includes : The U.S., Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Netherlands and Venezuela.

But still with all of that said... I think it is sad.

A sad day for young girls who grow up loving the sport, and I speak from my own experience as well. Once women exit out of college and have had a thriving softball career...well, there is NO "going pro" if you will. So I think this is the next step for women to "go pro." These women play with heart and they give it their all. I do think the US Team has done a phenominal job this year about raising awareness with their Bound 4 Beijing Tour. Personally, I have enjoyed watching the games and it gives Universities good practice.

But I know there is no use in dwelling in the past... So we look forward to embrace the games approaching us (only 15 days away) and hope for another chance to shine in 2016 if it voted back.

I've said my peace. What are your thoughts?

~Michelle Dapper
KRBC Sports Director