I’m a big fan of the Olympics. I’ve always found this kind of funny because I never (ever) watch any sports at any other time. I think part of it is the feel-good aspect of the world quite literally coming together and the idea of working so hard for something bigger than yourself. Watching almost any athlete win almost any Olympic medal makes me misty-eyed. And don’t get me started on when they pan over to show us the proud parents going ecstatic in the crowd. That brings the mistiness to a whole new level.

As much as I love the Olympics, there are some things about it I will never understand.

• The commentators/anchors. Some of them are better than others, but there are some truly cringe-worthy moments. I do feel bad for them, though. I mean, sometimes there’s just really not that much more to say, but they have to keep talking. It must get really old.
• Broadcast schedules. And why I would get a breaking new alert email spoiling the results of major races/events hours (and I mean hours) before they will be broadcast. Really, NBC? Even though Rio is one hour ahead of Eastern time, swimming is the only thing you can actually (sometimes) show live?
• How the Olympics can be something that brings the world together (which I believe is true) AND a cutthroat gold rush that only ends with figuratively sitting in a corner, counting your medals, and comparing your results (which I also believe is true).
• And finally, I will never understand how anyone can be as dominant in a sport as Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Keri Walsh Jennings. (I’m sure there are others I should add, but these are the ones that come immediately to mind.) It absolutely boggles my mind. I mean I know hard work and blah blah, but STILL.

What’s been on your mind while you’ve been following the Rio Olympics?