In these Olympics so far, there have been several poignant moments in which I could just sense the honor and pride the athletes felt in being there and representing their country as well as being able to reach their goals and accomplish what they have been training for. One example is Dana Vollmer, not only winning the gold in the 100M Butterfly, but also setting the world record in the process; after the heartache of failing to qualify in 2008. There were also some disappointing moments, such as when the US was not able to defend their exciting gold medal win 4 years ago in the 4x100 relay and in a reversal, lost to France instead. However, even though they were leading for 3 legs of the race, and only lost it in the last, we should remember that they were not favored for the gold anyways, so it was good that they made the podium.
Typically, one of my favorite Summer Olympic sports to watch is gymnastics. It's great that the US has such strong teams, both of whom placed first after the qualifying round. But, this Olympics, I've been most drawn to indoor volleyball. Both the US men and women teams played extremely well in their first match; and there was clear talent, great ability to block, and nice teamwork. To quote one of the announcers who said something along the lines of: "Isn't it wonderful to be a great athlete!"
1-Aug: Yeah! The women's gymnastics team won GOLD :-) And, of course, it cannot go unremarked that Michael Phelps made history as the Olympian with the most medals ever. There are many great Team USA moments like Missy Franklin and Matt Grevers both winning gold in the 100M backstroke; and Allison Schmit winning gold, silver, and bronze.
6-Aug: Swimming has wrapped up; and Track&Field has started. When all is said and done, Michael Phelps ends as the champion that he is, with his last 4 medals all gold; showing that competitive nature which hates to lose. And, it was neat watching Katie Ledecky, the youngest US Olympian at 15 yrs of age, swim the 800M free not holding back in the beginning like the veterans to conserve energy and fearlessly swimming even with the world record holder in the race with her. And, Missy Franklin shone, being well-grounded, as someone with a solid family background. As I watch the team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings win match after match, it makes me wonder what it would be like to be so clearly dominant in a particular area like they are in beach volleyball. There was actually a very interesting quote from a sports psychologist they met with, who said that confidence was knowing that one belongs. It made me think about our confidence in the LORD, knowing that we belong in His Family.
13-Aug: With the conclusion of the Closing Ceremonies last night, the London 2012 Summer Olympics is officially over. The Closing Ceremonies was a tribute to British music over the years and seemed to try to create an atmosphere of an after-party. It was funny to watch Prince Harry representing the Queen trying to be very serious. As he was walking in, being introduced, it seemed like Kate who was across the aisle had an expression on her face that indicated she could tell how this was contrary to his typical demeanor and nature.
As I think back on the Olympics as a whole, the moments mentioned above with Phelps, Missy, Katie, the women's gymnastics team, May-Walsh, etc were the ones that stood out the most. I would add to that the gold medal in the 200M for Allyson Felix and the women's gold medal relay races 4x100M and 4x400M, especially with the world record. In fact, Allyson may be one of my favorites athletes of these Olympic games. Her Christian faith shines through what she says and does; and she runs with such grace and beauty.
I was a somewhat disappointed with the indoor volleyball teams. After being undefeated, the women lost in the gold medal finals; and the men didn't even reach the medal rounds. In both cases where they lost; they had been leading in the beginning; but, it seemed that as the other teams tried substitution after substitution to find a combination that could change things around, the US teams were not able to adapt to when the other teams started winning points. We had good teams; but, it seemed like they could only play in the way that helped them win earlier on and were not able to adjust to other combinations. I was also a little disappointed that Roger Federer didn't repeat what he did in Wimbledon and didn't win the gold medal. He is an athlete that I have great respect for, with good showmanship, attitude, and character.
Overall, it was a good Olympics. I'm proud that the US had the highest number of medals as well as gold medals. I'm glad that there were no security incidents. I'm glad that there were many countries that were able to win medals for the first time. I was touched by the many athletes and their families who showed what this all meant to them, especially as they won or stood on the medal stand with tears in their eyes.
It was said that the Olympics was a reflection of life; where one goes through hard work and struggle to achieve goals. There are heartaches as well as joys, which can be shared with all those around.
22-Aug: It occurred to me that one of the reasons I like the Olympics so much is likely similar to why the Apostle Paul used so many analogies to athletics for the Christian life. The example is motivating. While the athletes live, eat, breathe their sport; and sacrifice so much to compete and win; more so, we have an eternal reward to strive for. Even my life verses in Hebrews 12:1-2 are illustrating life like a Marathon.
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