The medals are tallied as a manifestation of supremacy.

The competitions occur once every four years. Yet the results are online before the intended audience can watch the contest.

There is little entertainment value in watching a race when the winner is known. Olympic overage is extensive between NBC and the USA Network, giving ample space to show live coverage.

Live competitions are good for college students because we are up at all hours. We are as diverse a group as can be found. Show some curling at three in the morning and there is a college night-owl audience. Show some live speed skating at noon and there is a hooky audience. Some skiing at three in the afternoon and there is a done-for-the-day audience.

We pretty much have all the bases covered as the encompassing group that we are.

Also the change in the TV schedule is noticeable for students, at least as far as missing out on “The Office,” which is actually good because, like the real-world folks, we need some variety in our schedules.

On one hand the Olympics are a new subject for the sports-loving community to follow for a while. On the other hand, they are something to complain about if you hate sports or if you just miss Conan O’Brien. It gives way to a new discussion either way.

It’s unfortunate Conan works for NBC because the Olympics are ripe for comedy. Not to say that he will not poke around when he returns, but I feel robbed — each day has its fill of material.

International Olympic Committee representatives in vehicles with flashing lights seize the athletes who have cheated. Said vehicles were recently deployed to confront the Austrian men’s biathlon (skiing and shooting) team for doping.

Two athletes fled the Olympic Village and their coach attempted to flee in his car. It was a bizarre turn of events that ended with his car accident. It seems a little unnecessary and therefore entertaining as these are only sporting events.

This leads into the idea of the Olympics being treated like Risk, the game of world domination. Countries unite behind people they have rarely heard of before and athletes are somewhat marginalized until they put on their home colors. Then the Olympics become some sort of political metaphor, like the board game.

The medals are tallied as a manifestation of supremacy. There are more people in New York City than in Austria — stands to reason our country might win a few more medals.

We all know that the United States has had no problems showing its power over the last few years. But this is apples and oranges. I suppose the medals serve as another fruit, the proverbial cherry on top.

So I have enjoyed the Olympics this year — it just feels a little weird that it’s not for the intended reason.

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