Oh, Sport.

Olympic Games is a fantastic event where yours truly can enjoy a thrilling competition between his two beloved countries. So far the results were somewhat predictable, because:

It was no surprise when Japanese volleyball girls beat Polish volleyball girls.

And it was no surprise when Japanese swimmers beat Polish swimmers.


However, I found it interesting at least, when I learned about Polish success and Japanese failure in rowing.

As far as I'm concerned, rowing is an activity of great importance in Japanese culture. I base this conclusion not only on Japanese cable programming but also on the observation of campus life on national Japanese universities. Almost every university has a rowing team, and it places among most popular extracurricular circles on campus.

Their PR is especially impressive.

Last month, enjoying my lunch on a campus bench I noticed a circle information poster I haven't seen before. It was huge, at least 3 meters high and a meter wide. In a impressionist fashion, it portrayed a boat and a team of young, proud sportsmen in it. The slogan below said:

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ROWING


(I took a picture but it's dark so you have to take my word for it at least for now)

Such passion for rowing. Such interest in rowing. Finally, such powerful young rowing talents. And still, no Olympic medal for Japanese rowers.

Sometimes life is just unfair.

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(Note to readers: yes, I'm not too old to find the word funny, and yes, I didn't have to but I couldn't stop myself)