Entry bubble Vancouver 2010!

By: Jake | August 25, 2008 | Category: Fun

Team USA struck gold in the Beijing Olympics. To me, the highlights were Michael Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin pretty much dominating women's gymnastics and the USA Men's Basketball team making like the Dream Team and winning a gold medal. Jake at Whistler Mountain

As crazy as it may sound, I am already excited about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. It makes sense though, since I had a really good time in Vancouver this summer and I am a sucker for skiing, ice hockey, bobsledding and many of the other winter events.

When I was in Vancouver, it was easy to get into the spirit, since construction crews were building event venues and widening the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, site of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events. Like China, I also think that Vancouver has neat cultural offerings that will give their games a distinct feel. Here is what you can expect to see a lot of in 2010:

  • Inukshuk – I am standing in one of these in the picture. The Inuit people of Canada stacked stones in human form across the landscape as guideposts for travelers. Over time, the inukshuks became a symbol of hope and friendship and they are the inspiration for the Ilanaaq—the official symbol of the 2010 Olympic Games.
  • Totem Poles – Another symbol of British Columbia's indigenous past. They are a very popular attraction in the province's capital of Victoria and Vancouver's Stanley Park, one of the largest city parks in North America.
  • Quatchi – One of three Vancouver Olympic mascots, Quatchi is a young sasquatch that inhabits the woods of British Columbia, like the legendary beast his creators were inspired by.

Keep in mind the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games take place at Boise, Idaho in February. But for now, what was your favorite moment from the Olympics?

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Entry bubble The Olympics Are Here!

By: Colleen | August 06, 2008 | Category: Fun

olympic torchLooking ahead to the next two weeks really makes me wish I had TIVO. While I can't complain about spending the next week down the shore on vacay, it is likely that my sunbathing (safely, of course!) schedule will conflict with the viewing times of many of my favorite Olympic events.

Cue that great intro music that NBC plays—the Olympics are back! Starting on Friday (8-8-08), the next two weeks will be packed with intense athletic competition in Beijing, China.

I just love the Olympic Games, especially the summer ones. (I may not be good at it, but events like swimming—I can relate to. Curling? Not so much.) It's great to hear the inspiring stories of these athletes who have basically dedicated their lives to reaching this competition. Through personal sacrifice, injuries, and total dedication, they've reach the pinnacle of their sport.

I'm rooting for Team USA in a few events in particular:

  • Swimming—Michael Phelps has the chance to beat Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals in a single Olympics. Watch out for Ryan Lochte, a fellow American, who is hot on his tail. Also, Dara Torres, at age 41, is competing in her 5th Olympics.
  • Gymnastics—Not that the boys aren't impressive, but I'm much more into women's gymnastics. Shawn Johnson has the chance to be the 2nd American in a row to win the all-around gold, only the 3rd in history after Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson.
  • Track and Field—Is there anything cooler than holding the title of "fastest man alive"? Tyson Gay may own that as the current American record holder in the 100 meters.

More than anything, the Olympics carry a spirit of camaraderie and international respect that would be nice to see more often than every four years.

What are your favorite events and athletes? Do you have any personal Olympic stories?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: athlete   colleen   competition   medal   olympics   sports