And The Medal Goes To. . .

Posted by CC-Mom at 8/10/2008 11:47 PM
Categories: life
    Addicted.  100%.  No question about it.  I watch the clock, I worry about being away from home.  I fear that people might notice how I am secretly planning my day.  I know, I know—the first step is realizing that I have a problem.  But the problem is, it's not a problem. . . it's the Olympics.   From the shiny fantastic opening ceremonies to the closing ceremonies full of video montages and highlight clips, from the profiles of the athletes to the constant news coverage, the early mornings and the late nights.  I love it all, every single moment.  I don't care what the sport is, I become instantly emotionally involved and fully invested in the young hopefuls playing the game.
    Since Friday night, I have viewed handball, basketball (men and women), volleyball (regular and beach), fencing, cycling, swimming, gymnastic qualifiers, soccer, water polo, rowing, air pistol shooting, and I think I flipped past some sort of equestrian event very late last night.  It may have been a preview.  I can't be sure. 
    I have so much respect for these athletes who have trained for most of their young lives to come and perform on this Olympic stage, in front of the world.  Some leave with memories of golden moments, some face disappointing finishes.  Some are injured in practice before ever competing and are forced to simply watch as their teammates live the dream.  The Olympics are filled with heartbreak and triumph. . . but every single athlete walking into the stadium in Beijing on Friday night was already an Olympian, having made it to Beijing by virtue of talent and skill.  Admirable.
    Maybe I am so totally enthralled by these two weeks because they represent so many dreams that I never even dared to dream.   I can't imagine this dedication to a sport, this sort of physical prowess, this strength, this speed, this power.  I admire it, I remain in awe of these young (and, thank you Dara Torres, medium-young!) superstars.  I want my children to see what it means to work for something and achieve a goal; and, to see that sometimes winning has nothing at all to do with a medal.  Note how many winning moments are less about the medal podium, and more about the story of courage, the story of hope, the story of overcoming great trials to run the race in the first place.
    As I write, our National Anthem is playing for Michael Phelps and the relay team. Our flag is being raised, our swimmers are on the podium.  Yes, I love these two weeks.   We can all share pride in these runners and swimmers and fencers, we can pretend to be them, we can hope and dream for them, and we can thrill in their victories and agonize in their defeats.  But don't agonize too long. . .they are all OLYMPIANS.
    This super-fan must sign off. . . the television coverage from Beijing is over and will start again in the morning.  I wish you all Olympic dreams.  I know I have them, day and night.         

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