With terrorism the likely cause of two downed Russian airliners, more violence in Iraq and continued genocide in Sudan, the Olympic competition in Greece, which wraps up this weekend, provided a pleasant diversion from many of the world's troubles. It doesn't hurt that Americans are generally performing well and leading the medal count.

As a television alternative to fierce partisan debates over Sen. John Kerry's Vietnam war record, the danger of nuclear terrorism from Iran or N. Korea or the possibility that terrorists were responsible for killing two planeloads of people in Russia, the Olympics have been a welcome respite.

This year's Olympics have not been without scandal - in particular, charges, suspensions and disqualifications due to doping and use of other illegal performance-enhancing drugs by athletes. But, despite the scandals and occasional intrusion of international politics into the games, the athletes have been a marvel to watch.

Outstanding performances by Americans in swimming, gymnastics, track and field, women's soccer as well as many other sports helped maintain interest in living rooms on this side of the Atlantic. As always, network coverage has spotlighted compelling stories of individual strength, courage and determination among the many athletes who have performed these past two weeks.

Even Thursday night's jeers and whistles from disgruntled Greek fans upset at not seeing their hero, Kostas Kenteris, the defending 200-meter Olympic champion compete, could not tarnish the games. Greek fans booed forcefully when the American sprinters, who eventually produced an American sweep in the event, were announced. But before the race could be run, fans in the stadium delayed the start for more than five minutes with their noise. Kenteris had days earlier withdrawn from the competition after becoming the target of a drug doping investigation.

Overall, the games, whether American athletes triumphed or not, have reflected the Olympic ideals of peaceful competition, national pride and inspiring athletic performances that are appreciated by true fans from any country.