I think I speak for most of us when I say, "It is with a heavy
heart that we watch The London Olympics come to a close." I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two weeks
of constant Olympic coverage. It is a
pleasure to be a spectator of The Games not only for the display of impressive
athleticism (and equally impressive physiques), but for the role of being a proud
American cheering on our Olympic athletes.
To be entirely honest, I am not always so proud to be an American in
the context of the international spotlight.
Our Government Officials make the news for the sexcapades and
pornographic tweets. Snooki makes the
news for practicing being a new mother by carrying around a 24 pack of beer in
a stroller -- and this just after wearing furry boots around Florence for a
summer. And the last few years of
economic headlines have been less than inspiring, but thanks to Greece we are
no longer hogging that spotlight. It's
not that I don't love my country and feel an utmost gratitude for the freedoms
that it provides -- because I absolutely do and can envision no greater country
in this world in which I would choose to live my life. The point that I am attempting to illustrate
is that the focus of international media and attention is often on headlines
that feature stories considered to be entertaining, but hardly ever inspiring.
The Olympics have been a breath of fresh air and I would get chills on
a daily basis just listening to Morgan Freeman narrate the ever current
commercials (how did they do that so quickly?!). Every sports bar, pizza parlor, and even the
nails salons featured The XXX Olympiad and, in a very subtle way, created an
environment in which we could feel inspired and uplifted on a daily basis. So instead of giving the spotlight to Miley's
new haircut or to a Kardashian, I would like to take moment and thank all of
the athletes that basked in the spotlight these last two weeks with grace,
poise and courage.
Gabby's tale of dedication and living in Iowa during her formative
years inspires me to take on a physical goal and really commit to it, despite
the sacrifice that may come with it. The
courage and dedication of Pistorious brought tears to my eyes and then watching
the winning sprinter ask for his name badge as a gesture of respect humbled me
to my core. Missy Franklin's interview
with Bob Costas was full of true and electric positive energy as she grinned
from ear to ear for five minutes straight still soaking in her moment of
winning a Gold Medal, despite not having yet received her high school
diploma. And to Michael Phelps, my heartfelt
congratulations on setting a new standard in the World Athletic Arena. It is a rare man capable of making such a
mark on this world. Last, but not least,
I want to thank Proctor & Gamble for highlighting the role of family at
each commercial break.
The Olympics are a rare occasion in which the world comes together to
compete, but not for things like power or money, they complete for the glory
found in being a winner representing their national flag. I am proud to be an American and wish the
Olympics could air every summer to remind us of why our hearts swell with such pride
and we should be grateful to our forefathers who fought for the freedoms that
we enjoy today.
Since we will have to wait another 4 years to witness this great
display of summer games I am going to put it out there right now that I intend
to save my money for a trip to Rio.
Who's with me?!
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