Impending Flameout

Except for a single foray by the Jamaican bobsled team and the relatively late ascendance of Asian skaters, participants have been mostly white Europeans or their North American descendants.

It's not something that draws worldwide competition or TV audiences. FIFA's World Cup in South Africa will be a global obsession later this year.

It's a long way from the original idea of peacetime athletic competition between naked ancient Greek warriors. The Winter Olympics involve a lot of things the majority of the world wouldn't ever think up, or need to do.

And it's really expensive to be the host city, to cover as a network television event and to participate in the Winter Games, as events there usually require expensive gear and special venues to train and sharpen their skills.

David Wallechinsky, son of author and screenwriter Irving Wallace and himself author of "The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics: 2010 Edition," talks about the origins of the Winter games.

Audio: BBC, PRI & WGBH's The World 2/25/10, Host: Marco Werman.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
You're Welcome - Winter Olympics
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Vancouverage 2010

After 16 days of competition and Sunday night's closing ceremony, the host city will send its guests back to their own corners of the globe. It's an odd idea... Since spheres have no corners. But in the aftermath of the 21st Winter Olympics, how will their impact add up?

Steve Lus, a reporter for CBC Radio in Vancouver, shares his perspective as the Olympics draw to a close.

Audio: BBC, PRI & WBUR's Here & Now 2/26/10, Host: Meghna Chakrabarti