The Olympics Timezone – CET

GO to the WorldTimeZone to check out time zones around the world.

 It is quite disappointing that the Winter Games are in Turin this year.  That means the events will be in “CET” time which is GMT+1 – 6 hrs ahead.  7 hrs if were the summer, but it would be difficult to do Winter Games in the summer I suppose.  Except in the USA.  Where anything is possible.

So, what’s the problem with 6hrs you say?  Well, everything will take place early in the morning.  Very inconvenient.  What they should have done is shifted all the events so that they fit conveniently into an “EST’ers” schedule.  So what if the opening ceremonies would take place at 2am local time?  I want to watch them Live at 8:00pm dammit!  Schedule those hockey games at 11pm so I can eat my dinner cheering Canada on the ice. 

It’s just not the same watching previously recorded events.  It makes me feel helpless knowing that the event has already taken place.  I am unable to influence the outcome of the game using my powers of persuasion.  Ugh.  Makes me feel unclean.

I understand some events may have problems like oh, say, downhill skiing, bi-athlon, luging (or the new and improved sexy “Skeleton” event).  But that’s nothing a whack of lights couldn’t solve.  The contestants shouldn’t complain since they are only happy to be there.  They’ll do what they’re told.  Spectators, well, they can go out carousing before-hand and pop in for that late night event in high spirits.

The clincher is this:  who is contributing the most $$ to this event?  I can’t be certain but I would say the NorthWestern Hemisphere (AKA USA) is putting in some serious coin.  And that is the bottom line.  They should be appeasing them and showing events live in primetime.  It just so happens we are in the same timezones.

You may not be aware of this, but Canada has implemented an ‘Own the Podium’ program to help the country become the highest medal earner in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.  As such, I think the Turin games are going to provide some decent hardware for us.  Here are some of my predictions for outcomes:

Hockey – 2 medals, Silver in each.  It’s too tough to repeat.

Curling – 1 medal.  One of the men’s or women’s will fall short.

Speed Skating - 3 medals.  Cindy Klassen will dominate.  Wotherspoon will redeem himself.

Total medal count:  20

Check out Canoe’s predictions.