Despite the cool breeze and sun, some people along the Grand Strand are thinking about activities across the pond.

With the start of the Olympics, some people are a little distracted walking around the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

“I’m really excited about the opening ceremonies. That’s the most interesting part,” said Ruth Flemons.

Flemons and her friend are even cutting their vacation to Myrtle Beach short. She wants to get back to Maryland in time for the first event.

Allan Connell, originally born in Myrtle Beach, says he is much more interested in this Olympics than past years.

“I think it will be interesting with everything going on everywhere,” Connell said. “This time it just seems that it’s about more than just metals.”

Although the United States men’s soccer team did not qualify for the London Olympics, Connell said that is the sport he’s looking forward to watching.

Self proclaimed “sportsaholic” Ty Clark said he plans to watch everything except the opening ceremony.

“That’s just too big of a show. I’m very excited about the actual events though,” Clark said. “I can’t get enough sports. I’m very excited about swimming between [Ryan] Lochte and [Michael] Phelps though. They are both going to amp it up.”

Not everyone is as amped up, though, with some feeling that the Olympics has lost what makes it great.

“I don’t know; I feel like it’s just a lot gaudier. It’s more about the show than the athletes’ accomplishments,” said local Bill Mattox.

Mattox said he will still watch some of the Olympics, but he isn’t as interested as he has been.

“As a kid I would watch every minute of it. I was always so excited for the summer Olympics,” Mattox said.

But Mattox still agreed with Clark, Connell, and Flemons that Michael Phelps is his favorite Olympic athlete.

Contact BILLY CROSBY at 626-0310.