The 7 Stages of Watching an Olympic Final

by Chandler Brandes

12 August 2016, 03:00pm

By Chandler Brandes, Swimming World College Intern

While some of us are fortunate enough to be watching in Rio, the majority of us are at home glued to the TV each night to watch Olympic swimming on primetime. (Please, NBC, do NOT cut to commercial break).

No matter if we’re in the stands or on our couch, us spectators have a very important job: cheer for our favorite athletes who have trained their entire careers for this moment.

There are highs and lows of watching each race and we experience a range of emotions– we can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to be competing.

Whether it’s the 50 free or the 400 IM or the 10k open water, watching these races is exciting. Here are the 7 stages of watching an Olympic race:

1. Anticipation

Photo Courtesy: Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports

This is it; the pinnacle of our sport. You’ve been waiting the past four years for this and your excitement has skyrocketed since watching Michael Phelps carry the American flag during the opening ceremonies. Even if you’re watching from your couch, you can feel the energy and excitement on the pool deck as each race is about to begin. As the days go on and the swimming keeps getting faster, your excitement levels continue to grow.

2. Excitement

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

As you watch the swimmers make their way behind the blocks for their races, you can’t contain your excitement. Your heart starts beating faster and faster as the announcer introduces each swimmer. You know all of their times, splits, and race strategies.  Whether you’re in the stands or at home, you’re decked out in red, white and blue.

3. Anxiety

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

As the swimmers step up on the blocks, your excitement changes to nervousness— you get more nervous for their races than you do for your own. Even though you’ve spent all day mentally preparing yourself to watch these races, your heart is still beating fast, you’re starting to sweat, and your hands are shaking. You have butterflies in your stomach and hold your breath as the official says, “Take your mark.”

4. Screaming

Anja Grevers cheers on her son. Photo Courtesy: Dan D’Addona

If you don’t scream your head off during a race, you’re lying. If you aren’t jumping up and down while screaming, you’re also lying. If you’re lucky enough to be watching in Rio, the spectators sitting next to you are cheering just as loud. If you’re like me watching from home, the neighbors can hear you from down the street.

5. Can’t Even Watch Anymore

Photo Courtesy: Evan Pike – USA TODAY Sports Images

The race is close— way too close for comfort. Your heart is beating so fast that you think it might burst out of your chest; you can’t look at your TV or watch the race anymore. You can only imagine how the swimmers must be feeling. If you have to take your eyes away for a moment, you keep your mind occupied by texting your teammates in all caps, and, of course, you’re live-tweeting and answering your non-swimmer friends’ questions.

6. Screaming (Again)

Photo Courtesy: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Like you would be able to stay away for that long. Maybe you closed your eyes for a little bit or had to look away for a moment, but pretty soon you’re back to screaming and jumping up and down. After all, the louder you scream, the faster they go, right?

7. Relief

Photo Courtesy: Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports

After what seemed like a lifetime, the race is finally over. You love watching the excitement of the gold medalist, the medal ceremony makes you feel pride for your country, and the footage of the crowd, swimmers, and coaches make you feel like you’re right there on deck. And no matter what the result is, you’ll always be cheering for Team USA.

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