Monday, August 11, 2008

i'm glued to the tv

I love the Olympics. Let me say that again... I just love the Olympics. Let me get specific... I just love watching the Olympics.

Here's the top three things I love about the Olympics.

1. The opening and closing ceremonies, but especially the opening ceremony. I enjoy watching the host country design a program that is unique to their history and culture that is also entertaining and beautiful to the eye. The opening ceremony from Beijing was absolutely spectacular. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV and each separate production in the ceremony was amazing beyond words.

2. The competition. I've been known to be competitive and I enjoy watching all kinds of sports. The Olympics gives me the opportunity to watch so many different games, matches, and events. I also enjoy the aspect that the athletes are from all over the world and that the competition is between countries.

3. Although I don't enjoy watching athletes/teams lose, I love watching emotional wins - especially when it's the USA. I'm sure part of that is because as an American, I hear some of the background stories of the athletes. It becomes more personal. The win, or just competing, becomes the culmination of hard work, overcoming obstacles, sweat, tears, hopes and dreams. How can you not want to watch all of that play out on a court, or in a swimming pool, or whatever the venue may be?

A just got done watching the men's 4x100 freestyle swimming relay where the French team was favored. Where the French team were cocky and talking about "smashing" the American team. And it was the French team that was ahead most of the time. But on the last lap, with the USA's anchor trailing the French anchor, USA's swimmer overtook the competitor to touch the wall first, within hundredths of a second ahead of the silver winning French swimmer.

It was so exciting. My heart was pumping as Jake and I were loudly cheering the USA swimmer on. That last half of a lap was incredible to watch, and it was an amazing win. Not only did USA win the gold, but they "smashed" the world's record. Icing on the cake... they put the French team in it's place. It was a glorious and historical moment and I had the privilege of watching it.

That's why I love the Olympics.

10 comments:

Just Mom said...

The Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Olympics was absolutely the best one I've seen yet. WOW!

I love cheering for the athletes -- all the athletes from all over the world. I can't help but cheer for them. They made it to the Olympics!

Yeah, I guess I'm enjoying watching the Olympics too. :-D

Susan said...

We missed the opening ceremony because it was Friday night when we attend Coweta Remnant Prayer group. I thought they would rerun them :o( The few shots I've seen of it has been spectacular.
Susan

Melissa said...

Opening Ceremonies were FANTASTIC!! Love love loved them! It is so fun to watch the events... although, there are some things I just don't get into like I used to. Growing up, I loved the gymnastics. Now, I'll watch, but it's not my favorite. I love the swimming and the diving though!

Sue Seibert said...

I love the Olympics, as well. It's beautiful. We are not sports watchers, except for Olympic sports. Wasn't the American swim team wonderful!

Short Stop said...

Oh, that Mens relay last night... We were jumping up and down on the bed. Did I really just admit that?

Anyway, I'm not big into the Olympics, but Michael Phelps (who is from my hometown in MD) has got me glued, too.

GO USA!

Heidi Jo Comes said...

okay, so now with everyone's comments, i am very sad i missed the opening ceremonies. my favorite part usually as well.

but i do love the patriotism it brings out. for all involved. such dedicaiton from the athletes is so rare in this society now. working so hard for something is a lesson that is universal and profound.

Unknown said...

I am not really into watching sports but the Olympics lights my fire every time!!!

Jamey said...

I like watching the Olympics too. I saw the American swim team win last night too. It was amazing!!

Barb said...

I am totally with you about the Olympics. The creativity for that opening was totally incredible.

We saw an documentary on how the Birdnest and the Swimming Cube came to be like they are. From competition for designs, then the winners thinking "ok, we won, how in the world can we build it."

The construction was incredible too. All of that has just added to my enjoyment this year.

I just read yesterday's post. Oh, did that ever bring back memories. I still have too many notebooks, folders and pens!!

Unknown said...

I used to enjoy all of these things about the Olympics. But I rarely turn the tv on during the day. With all the 'experts' saying how bad tv is for little ones, I don't want to get into bad tv watching habits.

Now when Hubby is home, it's on a lot more. He loves sports (I do too, so I like to watch with him).

So I haven't been able to keep up with the Olympics this year except thru blogs and sports center!