What do Elephant, Haka Pei, Eskrima, Luge, and Octopush have in common? Weirdly enough, they are all sports. Many may not have heard of some, if any, of these sports because they take place all around the world. As Americans, we are almost trapped in a bubble like, Jimmy Livingston in Bubble Boy, of football, basketball and baseball. These are all the “American” sports that we all should know something about. But, every four years, we get a chance to experience some sports we may not be that familiar with or may never have even heard of. I mean, what is Luge? Sounds like some French drink right?

Anyway, I always look forward to the Olympics because I get to learn and watch sports that I do not see on a daily basis. After all, a girl has got to have options. But seriously, watching the Olympics can allow one to experience different cultures and different sports without actually moving or leaving his or her home. Think of the Winter Olympics as fun educational television like Bill Nye the Science Guy. The Winter Olympics showcases sports not highlighted upon in America, which heightens the excitement of the games even more.

This also makes me think of why this is. The country focuses on the “American” sports instead of showing a variety. Our country needs to broaden the scope of sports. We have been so used to watching just a few sports that it has become tradition, but what if we push the boundaries a little bit? This is the time to explore different paths, even if that includes a private Curling channel.

From February 7 to 23, if you choose, you can experience other sports around the world or, perhaps, sports not given as much attention during the Winter Olympics. LeBron James and Tom Brady are household names, but what about Jennison Heaton and Body Miller? All of these people have reached great achievements in their lives, yet are given an unbalanced amount of attention and “celebrity” status. The time and amount of effort Olympians put into rising up to that level deserves recognition and other benefits lasting longer than two weeks. These athletes devote their time and commitment to representing our country with pride.
Now, I do not have any expertise on any of the winter sports shown in the Winter Olympics, but I think even if you do not, it does not hurt to cheer on your country. After all, the Winter Olympics only happen every four years.