The planet's best and most dedicated athletes have five more days to secure a lifetime of training at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. With the closing ceremonies set for Sunday, these are the last chances for athletes to sing their countries' national anthems atop the center podium, and subsequently carve their names into the annals of sporting history.
The Daily News sports desk has been watching, and in the tradition of giving credit where credit is due, we sought out some River Rival coaches to see what Olympic sports have kept them the most enthralled. The answer is not a surprise.
Tom L'Italien
Newburyport boys basketball and Pentucket baseball coach
"The two sports I've been watching most are the basketball and the swimming. I think the main reason the men's basketball team is doing so well is because of their commitment to play defense. It's clear that everyone loves to watch the offense and the transition play and dunks, but it starts on the defensive end, and it's just like the Celtics. I'm hoping that my players watched the success that the Celtics had, and how the Olympic team is working so diligently on defense.
"The Michael Phelps thing is a story in itself. It's really amazing, and it's just fun to watch. It's hard to put it into words because what he's doing is unbelievable, and I'm not sure if we'll ever see anything like this again."
Neil Reardon
Newburyport girls basketball and boys tennis coach
"I love every and any kind of sport, but I enjoy watching sports that aren't your everyday televised entertainment. I've really enjoyed watching the swimming — especially with Michael Phelps winning eight golds — but what amazes is me is how strong they are, and I totally appreciate what they can do in the pool.
"I also love to watch the gymnasts. It's incredible what the Chinese and the Americans are capable of doing, twisting and turning on those apparatus. It's impossible not to be impressed with how dedicated and precise they are."
Donna Andersen
Triton boys lacrosse and field hockey coach
"I'm very excited that the track and field is coming on now because I love the running events, and I haven't been able to watch the field hockey, which has been unfortunate. Even though I know it would be men's field hockey, I don't mind. I'd still like to find time to watch it.
"Obviously, I've been loving every moment of Michael Phelps, which has been cool watching him continue to set records and win golds. I'm of Italian heritage, but I'm rooting for Americans all the way. What they're doing is incredible."
Paul Yameen
Newburyport ice hockey coach
"Michael Phelps. What else do you watch? He's incredible. I've been catching some basketball and softball, a little bit of everything really, but the swimming has really come into its own and seems to be the most exciting event this year.
"I'm kind of a sports fanatic so I pretty much watch anything, but the Olympics offer so much. My kids are glued to the TV every night, and it's really an incredible display of what the world's best athletes are made of."
Joe Colbert
Triton cross country and track coach
"As a track coach I'm definitely watching all of the track events and, of course, really enjoying it. Seeing these stars at this level, competing under such enormous pressure and setting records, I think it's a lot of fun.
"We've been watching it every night because you don't want to miss any Olympic history taking place. It's funny, I'm not all that interested in gymnastics, but because my daughter is a gymnast, I've been picking up some knowledge and have come to appreciate it."
