Pop Culture

There are many great things to love about the United States. There are tons of serious things to cherish, namely our free and open society. This in turn leads to our stellar abilities to cheer for a winner AND rally behind someone even if they don't win...especially if that person is uber hot.

Perhaps there's no better venue to demonstrate this other than the Olympics. 2008 has been no different. It is my honor and privelege to give you the hottest atheletes of the Olympics. Here we have one "winner" and two "losers" (I'm speaking of medals won...in reality they are all winners):

1. Leryn Franco - Javelin - Paraguay
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/PAR/Leryn-Franco/8002907

Leryn caught the eye of several million before the games had even officially begun. She was noticed right away during the opening ceremonies. The 26-year old was a runner-up in the 2006 Miss Paraguay and likes to toss the javelin on the side. Sadly, she didn't make the medal rounds this week.

2. Alicia Sacramone - Gymnastics - United States
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=622/bio/index.html

Alicia was favored to win in several gymnastic events in Beijing. When she fell during her beam performance, it practically eliminated the U.S. team from getting the gold (they eventually got the silver). However, instead of dooming her to a life of ridicule, the phrase "Alicia Sacramone is hot" skyrocketed to the top of the Google search engines. Her facebook page was overloaded and millions couldn't get enough of the 20-year old.

3. Jennie Finch - Softball - United States
http://www.jenniefinch.net/

Jennie is a pro at this sort of thing. She was a member of the University of Arizona softball team and won numerous National Championships. From 2001-2002, Jennie had a record of 61-2 as a starting pitcher for the Wildcats and topped it off with a miniscule ERA of about 0.50. She threw in several no-hitters to boot. She's struck out the likes of Alex Rodriguez and has brought home the gold several times. This year is going to be no different. The U.S. Softball team, with Jennie as an anchor, is obliterating everyone in Beijing.

Man, I love this country.