Real English Five: root for

It snowed again today, much more than the last time.  My train in the morning was delayed a few minutes, but nothing major.

Except for the news about the snow, the other big news this morning was about the figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu.  In case you didn't already hear, he set a world-record score of 101.45 points in the short program.  His performance was magnificent!  If he can hold the lead in tonight's free skate, he can take home the gold!

Speaking of the Olympics, there other day I had the following conversation with a friend of mine at the gym.

Gym Friend: Did you watch the Olympics last night?

Me:  No, it is past my bed time so I can't watch most of the events live.  But I check the results on the net, or newspaper, or watch the highlights on TV the next day.

Gym Friend:  Yeah, I know what you mean.  It's tough to watch the games live because of the time difference...  Anyway, let me ask you a question.

Me: Sure. Shoot.

Gym Friend: I was wondering....who do you root for?  America or Japan?   I mean, I know you are American, but you have been in Japan a long time, and your wife is Japanese, and kid is half-Japanese....so...

Me:  I root for both, America and Japan.  If an American athlete is participating in an event, then I root for him or her.  And if a Japanese athlete is in an event, then I root for that person.

Gym Friend:  What happens if a Japanese athlete and an American athlete are in the same event, in the finals, for example?  Who do you root for then?

Me:  Both! It is a win win situation for me!

Gym Friend:  That's not fair!!

Me:  Life's not fair. Get used to it!

Important expression to remember:  I am rooting for you.