Olympic Games

The Olympic spirit is alive and well. Why?

Cheating: Despite the apparent cheating of Fernando Gonzalez in the men's singles tennis, when the ball clearly hit his racket but he did not react and concede the point, but acted as if nothing had happened, and went on to win the match against James Blake. Cheap shot.

Bad sportsmanship: Despite the Armenian born Swedish wrestler, who was enraged by the judging that led to his loss in the semis and let his anger go over to the medal ceremony, where he took off his bronze medal and put it on the mat. The Olympic organizers disqualified him and stripped him of his medal for his lack of spirit of fair play.

Winning by a hair's breath: Michael Phelps lost the 100 metres final, or so it seemed to the naked eye. Even after multiple replays it was impossible to understand how Phelps outtouched the Serb, whose hand seemed to hover on the wall while Phelps was still in mid-stroke. No shrieking or screaming from the Serbs but a respectful protest--and quite natural to do so. But after frame-by-frame replays to satisfy the Serb camp, the loser was convinced; he had lost by the narrowest of electronic measured differences. The thickness of skin was all that separated Phelps from defeat and continuation of his quest.

All in God's hands: Before the men's 100 metres final, all eight finalists, bent their knees in prayer together ahead of the race. I don't know if that is the first time that has happened, but it's the first time that it was televised.

Olympic spirit: Those poor girls from places like Djibouti and Afghanistan, trying to run sprints in a shadour and hood. Into a head wind they could end up in the sailing regatta. Good for progress of women in Muslim countries, but they can't succeed like this.

World records: My next child (not yet on the way) will not be called Michael Phelps. The smashing of barriers is part of sporting achievement. Usain Bolt has run fewer than 15 official 100 metres as a professional (only one of them was under 10 seconds); and breaks the world record twice.

National pride: Three Jamaican men in the 100 metres final and all products of the national program; no need to go to the US to be developed. Where did all those Jamaicans come from in the Bird Nest Stadium? They outnumbered the Chinese in a flash. Big up!