Perhaps miming how sports fans around the world feel today, technicians pose for a souvenir photo at the conclusion of the boxing competition at the London Games on Sunday. (Murad Sezer/Reuters)
It's just a mere 542 days until the Sochi Olympics. That's the mantra of many sports fans this morning as the London Games came to a close in spectacular fashion on Sunday night.
Many of those same people have trudged to work with a massive, and seemingly unfillable void. It's the place where world records, personal bests, and the joy of athletics used to reside. The only thing that remains is a bit of a headache and some regret, expressed by many on Twitter:
As sad as it is to realize the circus has left town, let's all take a deep breath and look forward.
Don't worry, I can hear you naysayers out there: "To what? No more medals, no more Usain Bolt, no more weird London mascots. Why don't I just turn off the TV and go outside?"
To someone like that, I'd say: "Shut up, that's why!"
Naw, I'm nicer than that. I'd say it's time to let the Games go and to embrace all the great sporting events that were either overshadowed by the monolith known as the Olympics, or that will be gracing us with their presence now that they're in season.
For example: baseball playoff races are getting down to crunch time (sorry, none for you, Blue Jays); the CFL heads ever-closer to the Labour Day Classic and the 100th Grey Cup; there's a tennis final on CBC tonight; and I'm not sure why one would watch golf, but hey, it's an option (and soon to be an Olympic sport, so there's that!).
Here are some options to keep your sports fix going through the remainder of August, so you can "choose your own adventure":
