Thanks to the marvels of modern tv services, I was just able to watch the entire figure skating gala to round out the winter Olympics, and it was terrific. Now I’m looking forward to tonight’s closing ceremonies with a twinge of melancholy.

Each Olympic season I do this. I watch these athletes from around the world compete in these athletic events that boggle my mind. For the short period of time they’re on tv, I start to think of myself as a bit of an expert in this or that, but really I have no idea what I’m talking about. I wouldn’t know an under-rotation if it bit me in the butt, but I sit on my couch nodding along with the commentators as if I’m a seasoned pro.

I also become a homegrown “expert” on an athlete or two during that time. No, I hadn’t heard of him or her before three weeks ago, but what’s your point? I “know” them now, dammit. So, yes, Adam Rippon is one of my new besties, at least in my mind.

I love seeing the athletes who surprise us, like Czech snowboarder Ester Ledecka who won Olympic gold not only in snowboarding, but in skiing too. I love seeing the underdogs become champions. I love how the training and hard work pays off for many of these athletes, and I love how so many of them are seemingly there just to compete and have a good time. Good for all of them.

I respect anyone who puts in the work to become an Olympian. Congratulations to them all.