8.8.08

8.8.08

Its the Summer Olympics, and I am soo excited.  I love the Olympics, its probably the only sporting event that I actually get ecstatic about. 

My reasons?

Is it because I am in love with Michael Phelps? Or that he is arguably the greatest swimmer ever?

Or that Apollo Anton Ohno is my Winter Olympics hero?

Or that every sport imaginable is played? My favs include: Swimming, track, soccer, gymnastics, ice skating, skiing, and speed skating.

OR that the whole world comes together, despite our differences and conflicts, and participates in an ancient tradition?

Yeah, its all of these and more.  I’m actually watching the opening ceremony as I type, and as I’m watching the parade, I see all of these people from every country, some of which I’ve never heard before, like Gabon.  That just goes to show that I need to spend more time learning my geography of the world.

So as you can imagine, the one Olympian that I’ll be paying close attention to is Michael Phelps, the six-time gold medalist, who if he wins eight gold medals this summer, will make Olympian History. (He wasn’t present in the ceremony because it was too close to his event.)

You cannot deny that he is an amazing athlete.  If you disagree with me, pick up the latest ESPN magazine and read the article.  It will convince you.  Could you imagine, swimming eight events, with not a day of rest?  That is discipline and skill.  So show me an athlete who can match Phelps, and I’ll show you gold.    

It’s going to be a great Olympics.  The USA has a lot of skill to show off, and a lot of talent to go against.

In respects to the world, maybe we should take this moment to consider where we stand as a world.  Is there room for us to unite?  Can we ever settle our differences and conflicts? 

Who knows…

-jO 

….more coverage to come….