Rory McIlroy, the nationalism at the Paris Olympics and what can come of it 

Every single element that makes sport a viable source of excitement for an astonishing portion of the global population has been concentrated into a wonderous two weeks in Paris. 

FOR IRELAND: Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 3rd green. Pic: James Crombie/ Inpho 

Does it feel different? Rory McIlroy rolled his shoulders to settle into a now familiar pulse-taking stance. Time once again to assess the condition of his sport, of the Olympics and of the world they occupy.

“I don’t know,” he replied as he paid deep consideration to the experience of his opening round and internally evaluated it against other golf tournaments. Both hands unconsciously extended to the rail in front of him for support. He was not expecting this.