We’re all Olympics critics, aren’t we? Well, many of us. And sometimes we feel like we’re just crabbing about something or other all the time and maybe we should do something about it.

So, today, nothing but kind thoughts. Really. None of this is satire. This is just niceness for the sake of changing up things.

1. The fact that Usain Bolt could keep himself together to move within two gold medals of three sprint golds in three Olympics is remarkable. A lot of us would have retired to the commentator’s booth no later than the three-peat at London 2012.

2. Have to hand it to American sprinter Justin Gatlin for this: He knows he will be booed whenever he appears on a track, but he goes out there anyway. We have no information that he enjoys it … just that he really wants to compete. He may be a drug cheat, but he is owning it every time the boos cascade over him.

3. The medals sweep by Americans tonight in the women’s 100-meter hurdles reminds us of an era when that happened more often … but also says something about the depth of U.S. talent in an interesting event.

4. The Olympics movement has problems, but many of us feel a significant void when the cauldron is doused after 17 days of colorful international competition.

5. As we enter the final four days of competition, 70 countries have at least one medal. Which is good. Maybe it can get to 75 or 80 before the end.

6. If I could try one event, I think it would be canoe slalom. Maybe it’s too scary, up close, and I may not be taking into account cold water … but it looks exhilarating.

7. It is great fun to see the obscure events (from an American perspective) that are part of the Summer Games. The trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, Greco-Roman wrestling, race walking, just about any of the velodrome events …

8. The joy on the face of a medalist who didn’t really expect to be awarded a medal.

9. Flag-raisings, while medalists are on the podium. Really. I like it. The one in the middle, the second and third on the left and right, the military guys snapping to attention, an anthem playing.

10. The Parade of Nations at Opening Ceremonies. I complain about its length (two-plus hours), but I also will watch the whole thing. Happens only once every four years, and I don’t want to miss it. That will be the case at Tokyo 2020, too, inshallah.