Let the Games Begin!

I was originally going to write about something else this morning, but when I opened my homepage and saw the first photos of the Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Olympics, I had to change topics.

As you have read, I have swooned and fawned over Olympics from the past, 1984 in particular, there is something that draws me to the games regardless of which swimmer is doing the 100 meter butterfly, or competing for the gymnastics all-around title, or even the host nation's human rights stance.

There is something that transcends politics and foreign policy when it comes to the Olympics. I cheer for all the athletes, for their countries, for their struggles and challenges. And I celebrate when they do well, or set a personal best. My favorites are the ones that achieve more than they ever thought and still only come in third. They are so thrilled to just win a medal that they must feel like it was gold for their effort.

That said, my favorite athletes, of course, are American. I get a little weepy when Bob Costas and the NBC folks play the John Williams composed Olympic theme song and then tell me the story of the three taekwondo siblings all trying to become Olympic champions, or the story of the 41 year old mother of one who has made her fifth Olympic team and qualified for two swimming events, but chose to give one up to focus on her best chance and give another swimmer a shot at gold too. Or the runner who conquered injuries year in and year out to finally make his first Olympic team at the ripe old age of 30 and is challenging for the world's record. It is worse than Kodak commercials at Christmastime. Pass me the Kleenix.

OK, let's go--all 14 days worth of the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat". Let me hear the Star Spangled Banner play over and over. Let the NBC evening lineup include all the athlete spotlights I can watch. Let the world's politics stop for 2 weeks and just play--fair, and by the rules. So, the DVR is set and the schedule is posted on the fridge. You'll know where to find me during prime time for the next few weeks. I'm plugging into the world's biggest sporting spectacle: Let the Games Begin!