NBC Day 6: Moms, Seacrest, and a Pool. Maybe a sport, if there's time.

**AYS** · 08-03-2012, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by Scintillation

It could just be the pressure of expectations getting to him too.

^^^ This. The media blitz for Lochte was about 10x more than it was for Michael for this Olympics, as far as I could see, certainly in commercials I saw leading up to the games. It's a lot of pressure.

**Theatregirl1122** · 08-03-2012, 03:53 AM

Originally Posted by Scintillation

It could just be the pressure of expectations getting to him too. I don't know, only Ryan knows.

But I WANT TO KNOW! It's depressing the crap out of me and I'd like there to be a reason! :stops feet like a child who can't understand that not everything has an easy explanation:

**Matryeshka** · 08-03-2012, 03:53 AM

That's true DaveRocks. I remember in years past, they would do great pieces on non-Americans. Thorpedo. Nemov. Hell, they practically had the audience rooting for the non-American, even if there was one in the competition! I still remember the fluff pieces they did on that Italian Lothario skier. We got great Khorkhina fluff. And Hoggenhottie, and that Russian diver in springboard who used to get a lot attention in the past but not in this one.

Someone unexpected and remotely telegenic won, NBC and ABC RUSHED to get fluff on them.

**london_calling** · 08-03-2012, 03:54 AM

The pressure for Michael seemed to grow as the 2008 Olympics went on (especially after that relay win everyone expected them to lose) whereas the immense pressure seemed to be on Lochte from the start of these games.

**AYS** · 08-03-2012, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by london_calling

The pressure for Michael seemed to grow as the 2008 Olympics went on (especially after that relay win everyone expected them to lose) whereas the immense pressure seemed to be on Lochte from the start of these games.

No, there was immense hype/pressure on Michael from the start, before the start for Beijing. The. pressure necessarily grew because with each one, he was one closer, but it was huge along.

**Theatregirl1122** · 08-03-2012, 03:57 AM

Originally Posted by london_calling

The pressure for Michael seemed to grow as the Olympics went on (especially after that relay win everyone expected them to lose) whereas the immense pressure seemed to be on Lochte from the start.

See, I don't feel like the pressure for him has been as much as Phelps in Beijing because he still has Phelps to take the pressure off. I mean, when Lochte destroyed the 400 IM, they didn't even bother to rave about how ridiculously great Ryan's swim was because they were so all about Phelps not medaling.

Although I do think the media was a bit unfair in their hype of Ryan. He was never going to be Phelps in Beijing all over again. He should have only had a shot for 5 medals and been a favorite for gold in 4 and a medal in the last one. So I think people went in expecting him to win 8 golds or something which wouldn't even make any sense with his program.

ETA: And I agree with AYS about the pressure on Michael. The pressure for him was INSANE. Everyone knew what he might do coming in.

**DaveRocks** · 08-03-2012, 03:57 AM

Originally Posted by Matryeshka

That's true DaveRocks. I remember in years past, they would do great pieces on non-Americans. Thorpedo. Nemov. Hell, they practically had the audience rooting for the non-American, even if there was one in the competition! I still remember the fluff pieces they did on that Italian Lothario skier. We got great Khorkhina fluff. And Hoggenhottie, and that Russian diver in springboard who used to get a lot attention in the past but not in this one.

Someone unexpected and remotely telegenic won, NBC and ABC RUSHED to get fluff on them.

Exactly. Maybe Sochi will be better? Doubt it, but we can hope!

**london_calling** · 08-03-2012, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by Theatregirl1122

See, I don't feel like the pressure for him has been as much as Phelps in Beijing because he still has Phelps to take the pressure off. I mean, when Lochte destroyed the 400 IM, they didn't even bother to rave about how ridiculously great Ryan's swim was because they were so all about Phelps not medaling.

That's a fair point.

**Scintillation** · 08-03-2012, 04:00 AM

Could it be because of his enduring cuteness? The easy smile? The greater degree of relatibility? I think so. He's just more charismatic than phelps.

**london_calling** · 08-03-2012, 04:00 AM

I already watched this race live but I still had that same surge of nerves when the guys walked out just watching now!

**Theatregirl1122** · 08-03-2012, 04:01 AM

So considering how swimming has gone for my favs, except Nathan and Matt, at these Olympics, I assume Ryan and Michael will tie. For fourth.

**HisWeirness** · 08-03-2012, 04:01 AM

It's not an IM competition without Phelps, Lochte and Cseh.

It's the last time.

**Lacey** · 08-03-2012, 04:01 AM

Right on, Theatregirl, they didn't even bother to rave about Ryan's swim because of Phelps not medaling, Ryan was robbed.

**DaveRocks** · 08-03-2012, 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by Theatregirl1122

So considering how swimming has gone for my favs, except Nathan and Matt, at these Olympics, I assume Ryan and Michael will tie. For fourth.

Now, now...

**Theatregirl1122** · 08-03-2012, 04:03 AM

Ryan is done. I don't know where he is, but he's not here.

**DaveRocks** · 08-03-2012, 04:04 AM

Michael!

Ryan!

**london_calling** · 08-03-2012, 04:04 AM

I was absolutely dying to spoil the results of this race based on the earlier posts in this thread. I'm glad I restrained myself.

**Lacey** · 08-03-2012, 04:05 AM

Ryan looks beat up.

**HisWeirness** · 08-03-2012, 04:05 AM

Whee!! My three IM guys get the medals! So happy for Michael!

**london_calling** · 08-03-2012, 04:06 AM

Ryan's dad looks scary

Thread: NBC Day 6: Moms, Seacrest, and a Pool. Maybe a sport, if there's time.

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