By Len Berman
The countdown is on. Ten days until I take to the Badminton court to chase my dream of Olympic glory. I feel as if I’ve already lost. Scores of people, friends and strangers, have greeted me lately with a one word salutation: “BADMINTON????” It forces me to go through the entire explanation all over again….. “what, you wanted me to do weightlifting? to put on a Speedo for swimming?” It seems to mollify the inquiring minds. Actually, badminton is one of the more mainstream Olympic sports. I’ve actually covered team handball, rifle shooting and biathlon at previous Olympics. In case you were wondering team handball is big in Scandinavian countries and biathlon is huge in Europe. In fact a funny thing happened at both those events when I was there. The King of Sweden showed up. We begged the “King’s people” to let us interview him at team handball in Australia in 2000. They finally relented, but I didn’t get to ask the one question I wanted to. “If a Swedish team handballer screws up do you order ‘off with his head?’” I guess the question wouldn’t have exactly been in the “Olympic Spirit.” Then again, I’m wondering if my playing badminton is. I’ll let you know.
