August 17, 2004

Call Me Negative

O.K. so it's now obvious that I don't prefer Ian Thorpe. The definitive reason I don't is that he is pompous. He lacks humility in sport. You can be the best; you can be competitive; you can produce results. I am not talking confidence. I am talking being able to shake your competitor's hand. I am talking about sportsmanship. I was very proud of Michael Phelps winning the Bronze. Of course, I would have preferred he win the Gold (but my motives were less than honorable; for I desperately wanted to see Ian knocked from his high horse). Michael Phelps has exhibited congeniality, determination, and he swam his personal best in the Men's 200 Freestyle competition. He swam across the lanes to shake the hand of Ian, whom he admired and respected as the fastest swimmer (who wouldn't want to race the fastest swimmer? A high bar produces the best results). Ian barely gave him the time of day, and after the ceremony, Michael reached over to offer his congratulations, and Ian shook his hand limp wristed and with wry grin.

There. That's why I dislike Ian Thorpe. Confidence is attractive; cockiness isn't.

Posted by Rae at August 17, 2004 12:11 PM
Comments

Maybe the reason he had a booger on his face (ref. post before this one) is because his wrists are to weak to hold up kleenex. Ya' think?

Posted by: Randy at August 17, 2004 05:42 PM

Randy, what are you implying?

Posted by: Patrick at August 18, 2004 11:04 PM

I had no idea who he was, and then saw a little interview with him where he talked about being in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and how much that affected him and his whole outlook on life. He seemed to be a serious, thoughtful young man. Has he behaved badly at the Olympics?

Posted by: Ith at August 19, 2004 10:20 AM

Not implying anything...I am making a reference to what our lovely hostess said in this post

"...Michael reached over to offer his congratulations, and Ian shook his hand limp wristed and with wry grin."

Posted by: Randy at August 19, 2004 10:21 AM

OH...and if you don't know where the booger reference came from...click here to read the post right before this one.

Posted by: Randy at August 19, 2004 10:27 AM

Hmm, Ith, that is nice to hear, and I could be wrong (if I am, then I will post an apology). He hasn't been very sportsman like and that always discourages me. I have been very pleased with Michael Phelps- he always smiles and firmly shakes the hand of his competitors offering congratulations-whether winning or losing. That can be respected, admired, and exemplified. There are young atheletes watching....

Posted by: Rae at August 19, 2004 10:30 AM

Oooooohhh, so the hand is limp from holding the kleenex up to catch the "stuff" coming from his nose? It seems something got by him...*grin*

Posted by: Rae at August 19, 2004 10:32 AM

Okay, Travis says are you sure it was a booger? Cause we were noticing last night that he has a mole on that cheek too? It wasn't the mole that you saw was it?

Posted by: Kris at August 19, 2004 10:56 AM

Not unless the mole was slightly yellow-green, and elongated and shiny.....

**laughing**

By the way, I checked numerous pictures on the web
and found nothing that resembled that kind of mole before I even posted the first one on Ian.

Posted by: Rae at August 19, 2004 11:09 AM

Not a mole! I saw it too......it was a GREAT BIG BOOGER. I'm glad I found this site because I had been asking other people if they had seen it too but they hadn't. So thanks!

Posted by: Amanda at August 21, 2004 04:25 AM

Hey, Amanda. Welcome :) I looked all over for a close-up of the BoogerMan, but alas, some people must like him.

And I am thankful for your verification :)

Come back often and anytime.

Posted by: Rae at August 21, 2004 01:32 PM

I have no idea about this guy but the facts are: compared to our Phelps he is just a good swimmer from what I have seen. Skills are a dime a dozen, but real character is always inspiring. Phelps is good and has shown real maturity and sportsmanship despite his age. He is a real class act so far.

A limp handshake is never acceptable. Most who have the offending grip are not taught; far fewer just don't care. If you ever interview for a job or make a business deal, it can kill your chances. Rae has the best female handshake I have ever experienced. I know. I am her husband.

Posted by: R at August 22, 2004 10:16 AM

Awwww, thanks R. I learned from the best :D.

Posted by: Rae at August 22, 2004 10:42 AM

Umm, let me get this straight (if i can stop laughing long enough), you don't like ian thorpe because you thought he shook phelps's hand limply after the 200? ian thorpe isn't a good sport? IAN THORPE??? lady, i dunno what planet you're from, but i think you should do a little more research b4 you make statements like that.

Posted by: MJ at March 8, 2005 12:01 AM

MJ- read through all the comments. I didn't like how unsportsman like he was during the entire Olymmpics. I know of his triumphs, I disliked his smugness.

A little late to the game, aren't we, fan?

Posted by: Rae at March 8, 2005 08:14 AM
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