Curling

People seem almost shocked at the amount of attention which has been heaped upon curling at the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver. But why should they?

It's a great sport. It's challenging, but not so much that it's too difficult to play. The game is fairly easy to understand (who really understands stunts and pulling guards?). It has a great blend of the individual and the team: everyone throws two rocks, while the others do their best to help insure that each shot works out well for the squad. It has strategy which does not depend on at least potentially hurting people. But the best thing about it by far is the simple sportsmanship of the game.

No trash talking.

No 'not in our house' arrogant garbage. Curlers welcome everyone to the game, and congratulate good shots by the other team without hesitation. During the game.

No whining about the officials. Curlers essentially police themselves.

It's a great game because it is a true sport. We should not be shocked at the interest it generates.