Olympic Moments

I so enjoyed getting to watch the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. I enjoyed watching them with my children. There were so many wonderful moments, but I wanted to share a few of my choices for memorable (and not so memorable) moments. Moments we could share and talk about and learn from.

Good Sportsmanship - Dara Torres just embraced the spirit of the Olympic games when she pleaded with officials to delay the start of a race so a competitor could change suits when hers tore. Oh yeah, Moms Rock.

Most Appreciated - Hugh McCutcheon's father in law was brutally murdered and his mother in law seriously injured in Beijing before the games even started. He had to leave his team to be with his wife and family. When the men's volleyball team won the gold he was so overcome with emotion that he had to leave the court to have a moment. What a way to end the games, a high note during a tragic 2 weeks.
Poor Sportsmanship - There was that dude from Cuba - who I will not give blog time to by mentioning his name - who pitched a hissy fit when he lost his match. So in retaliation he kicked the referee. Get over yourself. You're not cool. Now you can't compete anywhere.

Usain Bolt. Now, he's an amazing athlete, but pounding your chest and pointing at other runners with the bowed up stance seems braggy and uncalled for. Good athlete, but bad example for our youth.
Most Determined - Michael Phelps. Wow. He was a great one to talk to my children about. We knew it would be fun to watch every time he swam. And the kids loved it. "Go Michael, Go Michael!" He was a great athlete to watch and chat about with the kids. Try your best in whatever you do. No matter what. Be determined to always do your best in everything. Again, wow.
Most Entertaining - So it hard to decide which was more entertaining, swimming or gymnastics. Or all the events. But who couldn't watch the gymnasts and just smile. I predict a new American Girl doll for 2009. Shawn Johnson. I called it. August 24, 2008. Just wait and see.The Greatest Athlete in the World - I just really liked Bryan Clay. He made me smile.

There were so many moments and images that I loved, I couldn't possibly tell you about them all here. The men's gymnastics for instance, those guys were alternates and won the silver! I just love the olympics and I am counting the days until we get to watch them again!!!