Earlier today, for the first time, I watched water polo. I found it to be kind of weird, like hockey, but underwater. I don't know--it didn't grab me--but I was happy the USA team won their match.
Highlights of table tennis amused me. Cheerleading still isn't an official varsity sport in many schools, but ping-pong is an Olympic sport? But hey, I'll be the first to admit you have to possess fierce talent to do table tennis, Olympic style!
The shock of Michael Phelps coming in fourth in one of his swimming events has gotten a ton of press. I felt bad for him, but from the newscaster reports, it sounds as if he took a few years off from training, while Ryan Lochte didn't after Beijing. I always like to see hard work rewarded. Still, I hope Michael is able to win those coveted three medals needed to be the most decorated Olympian.
I love that I always become an expert judge from my couch. Surely, I know more about how to score the balance beam than an actual judge. Watching the competitors also gives me the false feeling that I too could somehow become a beach volleyball champion, or swimmer, diver, bicyclist, sprinter--you name it. :)
More than anything, the Olympics fill me with hope, with the feeling that anything is possible. Isn't that what the Olympics is all about? Finding a way to do the impossible?
I'm so thankful for all of the athletes who are competing. They inspire me and countless others with their dedication, skill, and sheer determination.
What do you love about the Olympics?
Have a fantastic Monday!
I LOVE the Olympics! The Winter Olympics a little more than Summer, but still. The spirit, the coming-together of people from all over the world, the joint striving to be the best ... everything about it. It is SO much more than just sport.
ReplyDeleteI'm so bitter you guys edged out the Canadian team! :) I thought the Chinese were spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI know! Watching Ryan Lochte was amazing. Did you hear how he's been training? No wonder he's so confident.
ReplyDeleteI love the excitement of the opening ceremonies. I'm not really into sports. I like some of the odd ones: fencing, rowing and the equestrian events.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing incredible dedication rewarded...I love that. And like you, I love the hope in seeing people achieve their dreams!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bad little American because I haven't tuned into the Olympics at all yet! Eek. But I do plan to hopefully catch some highlights tonight. :) I love the medal ceremonies--seeing the medalists on their platforms, listening to the national anthem of the gold winner. I recently read Shawn Johnson's biography and it made me appreciate athletes' hard work even more.
ReplyDeleteI got teary at the synchronized diving too. So excited for those girls. It was heartbreaking to watch Jordyn Wieber's disappointment at not making the all around gymnastics competition. After Dana Vollmer won a gold in swimming, she said that she had a point earlier in her career when she wondered if she should even keep swimming. I loved that because I think so many of us who follow our dreams feel like that - even Olympians!
ReplyDeleteI'm a teary-eyed Olympic watcher too.
ReplyDeleteI love the inspirational stories of how some of the athletes made it through struggles to get the Olympics. I cry. Oh yeah, love the gymnastics and archery! USA! USA!
ReplyDeleteI like hearing the 'back story' on the Olympians. How the two US players in the Beach Volleyball almost didn't compete together because one had chosen not to. The other one found someone else to partner with but had second thoughts. No, I can't do those things, I just appreciate being able to watch the ones who can.
ReplyDeleteI am really loving the Olympics. So many great athletes, so many great sports. So far, I've loved the men's volleyball the best.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten to watch it much, but I'll say that Ryan Lochte just blew me away! The guy was like a machine! For each lap, I kept thinking he'd have to poop out soon. I do think he worked hard for that win.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for stopping by and sharing what YOU love about the Olympics! I'm enjoying it so much this go-round!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the gymnastic and swimming events. It takes a lot of training to compete against world-class athletes.
ReplyDeleteI loved the end of the opening ceremony with Paul McCartney and the Americans were dressed so classy and elegant. I love to cheer on for America - you've gotta have the spirit so our country will win big!
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