Well the Games are over. I suppose not having a cable hook up did not really seem to matter seeing that all the headlines were up online hours before the delayed broadcast anyways. I did watch a handful of swimming, track and field, some water polo, rowing, and some other odds and ends. Looking at the medal count and the records that fell over the Games, it is impossible not to be impressed with not just the United States medalists and participants, but all the athletes representing different countries, different cultures, different athletic philosophies and how we all come together to share something that unites us. I like to think that the world of athletic sports is another common language among people, like art and music. The test of strength, skill, stamina (both mental and physical), courage transcends race, gender, and creed and not only reveals something about ourselves, but also helps us learn some compassion for those who share our passion. As you may have ascertained at this point, I am an idealist when it comes to how what we do should always be done with the hope that it makes us better.
So to wrap up my take on the best of the best from London 2012, here are my fave five, which was impossible but you can read all the best action blurbs and decide for yourself.
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| Not only did Oscar Pistorius get the chance to run the 400m and the 4X400m relay, he proved his worthiness when he advanced to the semifinals. Watching him run was like watching a small flame turn into a full blaze. |
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| This girl did NOT get her due credit at all. Two Olympic records, a World record, five medals. Allison Schmitt is the un-Lolo Jones in her classiness and coolness. She put it in the water, won some kick ass races and that's all that matters. |
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| Not the 'It' girl going in and definitely not the center of attention during all the Wieber drama, but again Gabby was an athlete who didn't need to talk the talk because she put it all in her performance. |
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| I enjoyed the G.B. runner, Mo Farah, winning both the 10,000KM and then the 5,000KM. This picture really says it all about how a win like that must feel. |
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| Much should be said how U.S. women rocked this Olympics. I am sad their accomplishments, medal counts, records will be outshined by the retirement of Phelps or the unprecedented repeat of Usain Bolt. But between the beach volleyball duet of Jennings and May-Treanor defending their title as queens of B.V., the women's basketball team earning their fifth gold medal, and this set of swimmers setting several world records, there is plenty of pride and admiration to be shown to these ladies. | | | | |
