All posts in Sports

China’s got World Cup fever, and they aren’t even in it

By On June 15, 2010 In China, Latest, Personal, Sports With No Comments Permanent Link to China’s got World Cup fever, and they aren’t even <i>in</i> itPermalink

It’s that time of the decade again for the media to question why Americans are disinterested in a sport the rest of the world is so passionate about. But while you all back at home get to see that tired story be recycled through the American news stream, I’m busy catching every game at any restaurant, shop, gym, or store that has a TV because, more likely than not, they’ll be showing it. You see, China—the country that hasn’t even had a team in the World Cup since 2002—is crazy for the world’s biggest soccer football event.

So who is China supporting? Drumroll, please … Argentina (“Āgēntíng“). And overwhelmingly so. On Saturday, I went to a local restaurant here in Beijing that’s very popular with Chinese college students and it was completely packed for the Argentina-Nigeria game. The restaurant-goers cheered in unison whenever the game went in Argentina’s favor and collectively laughed when any Nigerian players writhed in pain on the pitch. They love coach Diego Maradona and all-star striker Lionel Messi. It helps, too, that their names are easy to pronounce in Chinese (“mǎlāduōnà” and “méixī“). And the minute that game ended, nearly the entire restaurant emptied. Not many stuck around to see the USA-England game (which, to be fair, aired at 2:30 in the morning here).

It’s pretty exciting to be living abroad during World Cup season, though I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like in more traditionally football-crazy territories like Europe or South America right now.

UPDATE (6/16/10): From Reuters—a Chinese “volunteer army” arrived in South Africa to support North Korea’s team. While I don’t doubt the existence of these supporters, this article is a little misleading. By leaving out the fact that most people back on the mainland are actually supporting Argentina, the article paints the picture that China is throwing it all its support behind the North Korean squad. Having seen Messi in endorsement ads for Chinese products and spoken to many Chinese coworkers who have all confirmed that the majority of people here are rooting for Argentina, I know this couldn’t be further from the truth.

I think it’s important to make this clarification because the article seems to imply that, in supporting the team, China is also supporting the country. I can’t comment on the political relationship between the two countries because, quite frankly, I still don’t understand it. But I think it’s dangerous and, to repeat a word, misleading to make that implication.

Boulders, bees and excessive media attention — just some things you can expect as a foreigner running a race in China

By On December 22, 2009 In China, Latest, Sports With 2 Comments Permanent Link to Boulders, bees and excessive media attention — just some things you can expect as a foreigner running a race in ChinaPermalink

The start of the half marathon — a mess. Much like most of the race.

Last month, I saw an advertisement for a 10k in the Shenzhen subway. I’d recently gotten back into running, and I needed the prospect of a competition to motivate me to run longer distances. So, I decided to sign up. Races are especially fun when you do them with friends, so I convinced 13 other people from CTLC to do the race with me.

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

The competition — the “Run for Love” — took place on Sunday, and it was held on, to put it lightly, the worst course I’ve ever run.

Continue Reading →

Important things that have happened since Michigan last beat Ohio State

By On November 22, 2009 In Personal, Sports With 2 Comments Permanent Link to Important things that have happened since Michigan last beat Ohio StatePermalink
Michigan pwned for 6 years straight.

This is pretty much what every Michigan/Ohio State game has looked like for the past 6 years.

Ohio State extended its winning streak over Michigan in football yesterday, defeating the Wolverines 21-10. I tried my best to follow the entire game here in China, but at about 3:30 AM — when the Buckeyes got their third touchdown — I had to call it quits.

The last time Michigan defeated Ohio State was on November 22, 2003, when John Navarre was still quarterback (!) and I was just 16 years old. In the 2,192 days that have passed since then, the following newsworthy, sports and personal events have taken place… Continue Reading →

Chicago, I love you and all, but … (Why Chi-town won’t win the 2016 Games)

By On September 28, 2009 In Other, Sports With No Comments Permanent Link to Chicago, I love you and all, but … (Why Chi-town won’t win the 2016 Games)Permalink
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Poor Chicago. Friday's Olympic vote will probably be another disappointment.

Rio will win the 2016 Olympic host city bid.

Believe me, as a devoted Olympics fan, I’d love to see the Games come to the Chi. My hometown in Metro Detroit is only 4 hours away from the city and it’s always been one of my favorite destinations.

But the odds are against Chicago for various reasons:

  1. The ’84, ’96 and ’02 games were already held in the USA. Most countries only receive host city bids once every few decades.
  2. The 2012 games will be held in the UK. While the two societies aren’t necessarily the same, people tend to equate the  countries with each other. The IOC may want to mix up the venues.
  3. And of course, the most obvious reason: the Games have never been held in the entire continent of South America. Giving the Games to Rio would perhaps strengthen their appeal in that area, making it a sexy choice for the IOC.

Of course, Chicago still has a good shot. President Obama may come to Copenhagen after all for the final decision on October 2, a move that could sway some of the IOC voters. The IOC’s share of revenue supposedly increases by 20% when the games are held in the States. Chicago is also probably the safest bet, since money for the Games could be raised pretty quickly.

And Rio’s bid is far from perfect. High crime rates and the city’s failure to fulfill promises for the 2007 Pan-Am games could hurt its chances.

But even cities that have been slow to develop have turned around in time for the Games. Remember in 2004 when Athens was considered unprepared months before the Games began? Or that pollution problem Beijing had just one month before the Opening Ceremony last year? Both cities turned around quickly.

In the end, it really comes down to this: since 1896, when the modern Olympics were created, the Games have never been to South America. Combine that with a Brazil’s rising economy and highly supportive population — nearly 85% of people in Rio alone want the Games to come to their city — and its delegation will certainly have the most passionate bid.

And as the New York Times puts it: “In the past, the I.O.C. has bestowed its seal of approval on uncharted regions at propitious times in their histories.” Deal, consider yourself sealed.

Sorry, Chicago. There’s always 2020?