Olympic effort…
So, am I the only one who suddenly develops an avid interest in curling, luge, and short track speed skating once every four years? I love the Olympics. Love them. Ever since I went to gymnastics summer camp and every morning they woke us up by piping in the Olympic anthem. I remember thinking on those mornings how awesome it would be walk into the Olympic stadium representing my country. Sadly, my dreams of winning a gymnastic gold were cut abruptly short when I shot up to five-foot-eight before entering junior high school. Waif-like I was not. Not even close. A crushing blow, to be sure.
But summer games, winter games, it doesn’t matter. I’m in it for the duration. Yes, it’s changed so much, with pros competing, the commercialization, the pre-packaged events, yadda yadda yadda. I still watch, I still get a lump in my throat when it’s our guy (or gal) on the podium, and our flag being raised.
And nationality doesn’t matter. I love watching the stories of individual triumph, surmounting amazing odds, in many cases just to make the team, without even a hope of a medal. I love watching the faces of even the most cocky or cynical of athletes, as the inevitable awe washes over them when he or she realizes the importance of what they’ve accomplished as their national anthem is played for all the world to hear. All the personal sacrifice, the hard work, overcoming incredible odds, all worth it in that perfect moment.
And for those few weeks, every couple of years, I’m in summer gymnastics camp again, where anything is possible if you work hard enough. Even a gold medal.
Maybe that’s why I’m hooked. It reminds me that the same edict applies in life. And it gives me hope.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
happy v-day to u too. The chinese showed a lot of courage. so proud.
The Olympics are fantastic. Was watching the snow-boarding (mens and womens) and couldn’t believe the heights they reached. You can’t help cheering on your team.
I love the Olympics. I have an odd fascination with all of these sports that American audiences never see except for the 2 weeks of the Olympics. I mean, cross-country skiing would never make it on tv in the states, but watching these Norwegians power over the snow really is compelling. At least to me. I don’t understand luge, though. Maybe the prospect of sliding down a tunnel of ice on what looks like a flimsy sled at 80 mph with my head only 8 inches off the ice has something to do with that.
I cried last night when I watched the Chinese pair get back on the ice after that fall. I heard one of the commentators say they shouldn’t have been allowed to re-skate. I say that if they’re willing to go out and jump and do throws only minutes after a disaster, more power to them! I’m glad they got the silver.
I love the Olympics too. To see people succeed after many years of hard work is fantastic. On the other hand, those that can’t make it of some reason, it really makes me cry. But there will be many exciting moments.
Susan, I’m like you - things like curling and luge that just don’t compute in my little suburban world, so I really enjoy getting a peek into other sports and other regions/countries cultures and sports. And any idea I had of trying one of those little sleds came to an abrupt end when I watched our athlete sliding down that run like a rag doll. Shudder! Thank god she’s okay!
I agree with you, also, about the Chinese pair. A lot of courage. I was very happy with their placement.
So many stories of triumph. It’s really very empowering to watch!