I have always been fascinated by the Olympics. When I was a tiny tot, I would imitate the winning American athletes who stood tall and proud with their hand over their heart while the national anthem played.
When I grew a little older, I wanted to become the athletes - taking ice skating lessons so I could have the skating skills to go with my wedge haircut like Dorothy Hamill.
After realizing just how hard all of that practice really was, I decided it was more enjoyable to just organize event competitions in my neighborhood to play with the other kids.
When I went to college and studied education, I designed entire lesson plans around the Olympics and tried to get this new generation of kids excited about the experience.
Now I sit and watch event after event, tear jerking story after another, and berate Andy when he slips up and spoils the results that I worked so hard to avoid hearing throughout the day.
I get chills when someone surprising wins the gold. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be that person, on top of the world, having the anthem played because of your accomplishment. I wish I could experience it myself. But unless my boss decides to e-mail me the national anthem whenever I do a first rate job, I don't think that's going to happen.
I'm tempted to revert back to my toddler actions, standing tall in my family room filled with pride as the Star Spangled Banner is played. In my heart, I'm doing just that.
11 comments:
I'm less than 200 miles (and lots of water) from all the action. and throughout my day I often reflect on the winter and excitement that's happening. That said, I can only watch so many events. I do enjoy checking out the medal counts. As always - you American's are sweeping the field. I'm still very proud of the Gold we got in Men's Moguls yesterday. Very exciting and a very exciting story.
I love the Olympics. Just finished watching Shen/Zhao skate to gold! I am with LJ too about Bilodeau's win. That was pretty awesome. I love the heartwarming stories and seeing people realize their dreams.
Well, I made it all the way through the Pairs Skating tonight,and I have to say that I was most moved by the gold medal awarded in Men's Moguls. Something about all those folks singing "O, Canada", the young man, and his brother. The idea of Olympic Spirit transcending sport and nationality may have become cliché, but it is one that had me weeping.
The Hamill Camel--who could forget!
Bilodeau. Thanks, jehara!
I'm with you...love the Olympics. I got so caught up in it last night I didn't even realize it was almost midnight when I went to bed.....yawn this morning! lol
The 84 Olympics in Los Angeles were the firt ones I became obsessed with. I think I watched every bit of coverage. Is this cutting into your War & Peace reading?! I was trying to read it last night as I looked up at the games only when Jason yelled. Not the best way to read it. Or to watch the Olympics!
I think Andy needs to make you a medal and present it to you, while standing on your pedestal! Make those childhood dreams come true! I think the biggest thing I remember about the Olympics as a kid is that I would always freak myself out by saying "at the next Olympics I will be 14 years old!". At that age, four years was an eternity, and I just couldn't get my head around it.
I love watching the olympics too, and the tear jerking stories. I almost like the stories better than the events. I confess I stay up way into the night watching. Last night I watched figure skating to the end and was so happy for the couple that finally won the Gold. Her excitement was priceless. My favorite moment from the summer olympics was the women's gymnastics, that was pretty intense.
Love the olympics. Nothing makes me cry easier than a medal ceremony where the winners (whatever countries) are genuinely excited. And of course the Star Spangled Banner does it every time.
Ahhh...I do love the Olympics. I remember watching Nadia Comenici score her perfect 10's and thinking I could be a gymnast too! Never mind that I was 5 foot 8....!
I love everything about the olympics and watch every second that I can. I will admit, I prefer summer olympics to winter ones, but it doesn't matter to me WHO wins, I tear up for everyone on the podium once the national anthem starts. I had goose pimples watching our first Canadian gold medal recipient winning moguls with his brother cheering him on in the crowd, and I STILL remember watching greg louganis hit his head on the diving board. OUCH!
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