As I sit here again watching television I am stunned by the beauty that is this year's opening cermony for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. It's amazing what can be done with technology today.
The Olympics, whether they be summer or winter, are one my favorite displays of athletic competition. It the one time that no matter what else is going on in the world nations come together in honor of sportsmanship and compete together. This year there are 82 countries compteting for gold, silver and bronze but like always there are those countries that will never see the podium. One might wonder why even pay the airfare to travel to Canada from Montenegro if your country has little chance of winning.
It's not about winning for many Olympians its about competeing against the best of the best. Its about comparing skills and learning from other athletes. Think of the lessons learned by other snowboarders when they see what Shaun White is capable of in the half-pipe. Sure many of them can't even dream of being as good or better them him, but watching what he does inspires them to try harder and practice longer.
Speaking as some one who has never considered myself to be especially patriotic, I am always shocked by the Olympics. The thing that shocks me is how my heart strings are tugged each time the national anthem is played and the flag is raised. While athletes stand on the podium, choking back tears I too sit in my family room choking back the same tears. I am not an easy crier but play the national anthem, raise the flag and put a teary eyed Michelle Quan on the podium and I'm like a baby. It's a phenomenon that surprises me every time it happens- but its not an unwelcome phenomenon. I'm glad to know that although I am not always enthusiastic about our nation's government that I am still a patriot at heart. I hope that many others can relate to my experience and that they too find themselves reaching for the Kleenex box during the medal ceremonies.
The Olympics this hear are starting with a bang and seem to hold a lot of excitement. Canada has already come out and said that they want to run the podium this year and win more metals then any other country- this may seem like a lofty goal but consider they were third in the metal count in the 2006 Olympics. I trust that the United States, Germany, Norway and others will give the Canadian's a run for their money but I wish them the best of luck. Being from Detroit which is a stone's throw from Canada I feel a ting of patriotism for my neighbor to the north.
I wish all the athletes the best of luck no matter their country. I look forward to watching the competition and all the historic moments that I'm sure will occur over the next few weeks. When I think of the Olympics I can't help but reference both Miracle and Might Ducks 2. Both movies reference the Olympics (although in D2 its called the Junior Goodwill Games) and both are inspiring to say the least. So if you get caught up in the spirit of the Olympics, as I can assure I will, pop in one of those movies and you'll be able to carry on the spirit of the Olympiad even without watching the events.
USA ALL THE WAY!
ps. Shaun White should you read this...will you be my valentine?
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