Picture USA Wins Gold Medal for Coolest Fencing Mask
Although that may really motivate America-hating opponents.
News Beloved American Hero LeBron James Set to Lead USA Basketball at the Olympics
"We have worked hard and we will play hard, but knowing everyone in the United States is pulling for us gives us an extra edge," said head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Star forward LeBron James echoes his head coach: "Already we can feel the support from back home. I want to thank everyone for the love they have shown us."
National pride aside, Team USA has an advantage over most other countries thanks to the universal admiration enjoyed by James and Krzyzewski.
"How could you not root for LeBron James and Coach K?" said one U.S. fan in London. "How could you not pull for them in everything they do? They're wildly talented and successful, active in charities and have never been involved in any sort of legal issues. The fact that they're American – and American heroes – is almost secondary."
News USA Flexes Muscles with Unannounced Stadium Flyover During London 2012 Opening Ceremonies
Terrified performers and Olympic organizers fled the stadium floor, while the American athletes and fans in attendance stood and applauded.
The White House confirmed the flyover had occurred and was intentional.
"There are a billion people watching on television," President Obama was quoted in a White House press release. "It was a unique opportunity to remind everyone that we run things and can bomb the hell out of you if we want to. But it was mainly just for fun. Me and Dave Cameron are pals. I hope he took it well."
Opinion How to Improve Every Sport in the Olympics
Archery – Archery sucks because there are no moving targets. Know what targets would move? Other archers.
Badminton – Badminton should be played using the same rules we all play badminton with: each team gets one grandmother and one little kid.
Basketball – Remember when all of the teams were crappy except the United States? That was way more entertaining. Let's go back to that. When Angola loses by 194 points, everyone wins.
Beach volleyball – Enough with the teasing. It's time to go fully nude.
Boxing – Ignore boxing and replace it with UFC. It's time the Olympics does what everyone else has done.
Canoe – Race speedboats instead. Because speedboats explode sometimes.
Cycling – Race unicycles. Two wheels are for klutzes who can't balance.
Diving – Every diver must do one bellyflop and one cannonball in competition or they are disqualified. Biggest splash get the highest score. Common sense.
Equestrian – There's no reason to completely overhaul this classic sport. So let's just make one minor tweak: If a horse is injured, the owner and jockey are shot along with the horse.
Video Olympic Soccer Opens with International Incident
In London 2012's defense, they only had about a decade to prepare.
