The Olympics Are Here!
By: Colleen | August 06, 2008 | Category: Fun
Looking 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?
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