As the games of the 30th Olympiad in London finally came to a close and the flag lowered for another four years, I realized I'm already having withdrawals. And how could it not be so? I've been watching hours of daily coverage, from the moment David Beckham brought the Olympic torch up the River Thames by speedboat in the opening ceremonies, through the spectacular fireworks display and the extinguishing of that same torch 17 days later.
What a great Olympics it's been....unexpected wins, repeat golds, and multiple new world records culminating in some of the greatest performances ever. I've always thought it must be an amazing experience to march with your nation, to represent your country as an elite athlete, and to stand with the best in the world.
This is why I watch. And cheer.
The level of greatness at which these athletes perform in the spirit of competition...the extreme focus and dedication, the time and sacrifices, and the physical and mental exertion under which they train and compete - not only against other nations, but also against their friends and fellow teammates at times - is something to marvel at and respect. No wonder it's watched by billions of people every four years; it really is the greatest show on earth.
From the highly anticipated double gold by Usain Bolt in the 100 and 200m sprints, the unexpected gold in men's 10m platform diving by David Boudia (and the much celebrated bronze by Tom Daley), and the three-peat win by Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings - making them the best team in the history of beach volleyball - to the stellar win by the American women in soccer, Mo Farah and an impressive haul of winning performances by the British, and the phenomenal last few swims of his career by Michael Phelps, these were some of the best games I've had the pleasure of watching. Even as a spectator (from the comfort of the living room couch), it can be very much a heart racing and exciting event, especially if you've been rooting for the same athlete(s) throughout past Olympic games and world championship competitions. And I have.
There are Olympians I wish were still competing: Pieter Van den Hoogenband (Dutch), Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe (Aussies) in swimming, Laura Wilkinson in diving, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin in gymnastics, and Michael Johnson in track. But with the advancing of time comes the rise of new generations of elite athletes who, in turn, get their chance to shine. And did they ever at these games.
Missy Franklin - in her first Olympics at the age of 17 -with 4 gold medals, 1 bronze, and 2 world records to take back home. Talk about a great show and tell for your graduating class. Amazing swims, Missy, and from such a well-spoken, fun-loving young lady.
Katie Ledecky - 15 and already being labeled the "new queen of long distance swimming" for winning the gold (and beating the former British champion by a significant lead) in the 800m free. Way to impress the host nation, Katie.
Ryan Lochte - my personal favorite coming into these games - taking home 5 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) to add to the 6 he already owned, officially making him the second most successful American male Olympian ever (behind Michael Phelps). It may not have been the 6 golds he pushed for and touted, but neither is it a failure. He still leaves as the world record holder and world champion in several events, with an individual gold in the 400m IM (the most difficult event in swimming). Impressive. Good for you, Ryan. (oh look, I got through that without mentioning how incredibly attractive he is, too. *ahem*)
Epke Zonderland (Dutch gymnast) with an absolutely outstanding performance in the men's high bar that blew away the competition with its high level technicality and execution. I can't even remember watching the Netherlands compete before at the Olympics. Simply outstanding.
Gabby Douglas and the "fab five" winning gold, the first time for women's team gymnastics since Atlanta, against powerhouse competitors and world and Olympic champions like Russia, China and Romania.
Not to mention the women's 4 x 100m relay team, taking gold and shattering the world record in turn.
Even the highly talked about but fairly lackluster performances by the typically stellar Australian swimmers, namely James Magnussen in these games, still made for good races, albeit slightly disappointing results for them. But from my perspective...well, as they say, once a fan...aussie aussie aussie! oy oy oy! (We'll get it back next time, mates.)
Not only were the performances themselves great, but so were some of the stories of the athletes, as well.
Jake Gibb - 37 year old TWO TIME cancer survivor. He may not have made it to the finals with beach volleyball partner, Sean Rosenthal, (came really close, though) but that in no way made him any less of an inspiration. Way to overcome adversity, Jake.
Troy Dumais - FINALLY winning a medal (bronze) in diving at his fourth Olympic games, despite people telling him he wouldn't...that he was too old, not good enough, and just didn't have it in him to compete at that level anymore. Good thing he didn't listen. People like you, Troy Dumais, are the very definition of perseverance. Congratulations.
Oscar Pistorius (track events, Republic of South Africa) - making history as the first ever disabled athlete (double amputee) to compete. He may not have won or even come close, but that made no difference to the thousands of people who stood and applauded his skill, sportsmanship and effort. Good luck at the paraolympics, Oscar.
And let's not forget the athletes competing under the flag of the IOC because they had no technical nation under whose flag they could race or compete; all the athletes who went into the games with such high hopes and expectations placed on their broad shoulders only to come up short but who still showcased themselves as winners...it's one of the best things about watching competition at this level because no matter what happens, they are still amongst the small percentage of people able to call themselves Olympians. The best of the best. So what others sometimes see as arrogance, I see as a measure of the extreme amount of confidence and competitive spirit one needs to perform at such a high level. And yes, I'm sure they are, each and every one of them, honored just to be there. But for the ones who stand a fighting chance, they also want to stand atop that podium and to reach it, I think we should allow for a small measure of bragging rights. Maybe it's what they need to power through. Because for a lot of them, IT IS their time.
I know a lot of the hype over certain athletes are brought about by the media as a way to gain more viewership and sponsorship, and the drama of it all can sometimes take away from the actual performances themselves. I can only imagine how much stress that adds to the athletes' already overwhelming commitments and frame of mind. So when they "fail" to win gold, I think a lot of US fail to remember that a silver or bronze medal is still Olympic silver or bronze - a feat more than worthy of being considered a WIN. So when athletes not only "settle" for second or third but REVEL in it, I, too, stand and applaud them for their achievement, appreciation and unabashed joy....and for the mark they also leave on their sport.
It's all of this that makes people like me fans of the most anticipated sporting event in the world. I may not watch a lot of sports otherwise or even follow my favorite athletes through every bit of their training and competitions, but when it comes to THIS, I pay attention. Because I AM a fan. A fan of achievement and what it takes to get there... a fan of how people are capable of overcoming tremendous odds and adversity to meet and even surpass their goals, reaching the elite level at which all athletes compete....a fan of the camaraderie and sportsmanship it takes to call yourself an Olympian.
Citius. Altius. Fortius. Faster. Higher. Stronger.
Athleticism at this level really is the definition of strength, determination and inspiration.
Too bad it's another four years until it happens all over again. But until then, best of luck to the upcoming (and returning) greatest athletes around the globe. Here's to all your hard work, sacrifice, training and dedication. You deserve every bit of recognition you achieve.
To quote Visa: GO, WORLD
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