Glory Days

摘要

The secret to the universal popularity of the Olympics probably lies in the fact that it is sport, but sport diluted, nonfat sport. It is more festival than Games, more celebration than com- petition. The most prized ticket is not to any con-test but to the opening ceremony, which is equal parts vaudeville and liturgy. And nowhere in Atlanta will you sense the sort of relentless passion that was found in the other major athletic events of the summer of'96-the NBA playoffs or the European soccer championships. Rather, people the world over enjoy the Olympics, taking simple pleasure from a huge production.