MURPHY’S LAW: Bankrupt Questions, Lightning Bolt, Lolo Burns

Posted on: 12:29 am, August 7, 2012, by Keith Murphy

• Gabby Douglas has to take questions during the Olympics on her mother’s bankruptcy? Douglas is 16. She’s trying to win medals for her country. It is a story, but couldn’t the questions to Gabby wait until Wednesday? Her mom didn’t file for bankruptcy in London. She did it in January.
• Douglas admits she’s mentally and physically exhausted. She looked worn out Monday night, but made no excuses for her eighth place bar routine.
• With the exception of Shawn Johnson, history only remembers the all-around winner. Come to think of it, I think most Americans think Shawn won the all-around. She didn’t. Nastia Liukin did. Shawn won beam. And personality.
• One of the many cool things in the Olympics is when someone from a small country wins a medal.
• Watching Usain Bolt sprint is thrilling. “Fastest Man In The World” is as cool as a description gets.
• I’m paying almost no attention to Team USA in men’s basketball. I thought I’d be more interested.
• Lolo Jones is an open book. She says whatever pops into her mind, and she never hides her feelings. Most people appreciate that. Some don’t. When Lolo won her heat Monday–looking better than she has in years–she didn’t look happy, she looked upset. She said she’s dealing with “haters”. Lolo cares what people think, and these days, that’s not easy. I’d guess that she’s read that New York Times article too. It made points, but lacked balance, and came off mean-spirited.
• I love the way Oscar Pistorius inspires.

• Had a great time at the Iowa Speedway Saturday night. A day of tailgating warms us up for football season.
• There’s a new energy at Hawkeye football. Sometimes change is good. This is one of those times.