“Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.”
~Vince Lombardi
I did not set out this year to be swept up by Olympic fever. I also did not set out to avoid it. I simply did not give it much thought. But then Saturday night found me in front of the television, glued to each event and thus a week has passed–I am up late every night reveling in the joy and the pain of Olympic hopefuls, both from my country and those all over the world.
For me, as an American, last night was extra-special.
Perhaps it was the drama set by the American’s collapse in the women’s team gymnastic competition. Perhaps it was a case of all the stars aligning correctly. Perhaps it is because the majority of female Olympic gymnasts look like children and I have a soft spot for kids.
Whatever it was, the fever was truly burning last night, and I was swept away in the tide of gold and silver.
Yes, last night I was completely caught up in the performances of Olympians Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. And they did not disappoint.
It could not have been better had it been scripted:
*China’s domination in all of the gymnastic events up to last night.
*Questionable scoring of China’s gymnasts that placed one in the lead early in the competition.
*Stunning performances with scores that kept 3 gymnasts within a miniscule range of one another.
*And finally the top 3 medal hopefuls competing back to back to back in the final event making it anyone’s game.
It was amazing…more so because of the fact that the final event performance order had been decided days ago in another competition.
To sit on the edge of your seat, breath held, watching young ladies who represent their countries, their families, their own personal hopes and dreams, compete at the highest level is just amazing. And the fact that all three medalists were nearly flawless in their final event, floor exercises, was just icing on the cake.
When Nastia finished her performance and it was obvious that she had won gold, you could have seen me do this:
Okay, not literally, but that was what I was doing inside!
I was also, I am almost ashamed to admit, quite choked up by the whole thing. I was so happy for both Nastia and Shawn and the tears did flow, during the performances, during the national anthem, and later that night when I stayed up to watch them cry during their interviews. Their pride and gratefulness made me proud.
What also made me happy was watching former Olympic gymnastic coach Bella Karoli express his unbridled enthusiasm during the performances. I loved that NBC taped those and showed them…though it was partially in good fun the reality is that it is that pure passion shown by Karoli that makes the Olympics such a joy to watch.
And I’ll be watching as the competition continues. I don’t know if I’ll be as wrapped up in events as I was last night (not sure my head can take it…having a cold and crying are not a good combination) but I will certainly be enjoying the personal stories, the joy of the victories and the sadness of the defeats as the week continues.
I’ll close with a few more pics. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
needless to say with pretty much sleepless nights I’ve been watching the olympics up to the end of each night. I felt certain we’d take the top two positions, but wasn’t sure who’d take gold. I was personally hoping for shawn..she just amazes me on the beam! I swear she has glue on the bottom of her feet! (I also was not happy with the sour face Nastia was having during the first two events. It didn’t set right with me.. not sure why)
also glad “you know who” got his 6th gold. (and I do hope he wins all the golds to beat Spitz) I was also thrilled that Rebecca Soni (a new jersey gal) won gold in womans 200 swimming and that Lochte finally received a gold of his own!
I do miss things not being shown though, even if we aren’t winning at them… things I don’t normally watch but do enjoy at the olympics, like weight lifting.
looking forward to some of the races and i hope they show the pole vaulting, and some of the other things! They are far too “selective” I’m surprised the affiliate channels aren’t carrying more of the things not on “prime time”.
I haven’t been watching much of the Olympic coverage this year, but I did stay up waaaaaaay too late last night watching the gymnastics! Those USA girls rock!
Gee, thanks Carl…now you’ve got me crying all over again! 🙂
Deslily: She did have a sour face but I truly believe she is one of those people who stress just doesn’t sit well on…She came out looking like that so I don’t think it had anything to do with anything except being really nervous and stressed. I believe this more after seeing how quickly the relief spread over her face once she was done.
I think some of the cable stations are showing other events but I’m not sure. I just watch the main one. While I hate not seeing a bunch of stuff I also hated the old way where things would bounce from one thing to the next. I would rather settle in and watch things like the main NBC station is doing now.
Bobbi: they did last night!
Debi: Ah well, its cleansing for the soul! 😉
USA! USA! USA!
Last night was incredible, Nastia and Shawn are the IT girls at my house – my daughter has been voluntarily(!) taking naps so she can stay up to watch the competition, she knows all their stats and records, and she’s put together a scrapbook of pictures and clippings…pretty impressive for a kindergartener.
I’ve been in Chicago all week for training and between the marathon study sessions, uncomfortable hotel beds, jet lag, and NBC’s late night Olympics, I think I’ll volunteer for a nap myself!
Ken: Me too, where do we sign up for those naps!
That is so fun that she is doing that and it is such a great memory in the making to be sharing that with her. Hopefully it is something she will remember all through her life, being there when USA went gold and silver in the women’s all around. Very cool.
I was amazed at some of the shots photographers captured of the action. Definitely some great scrapbook material there.
I’m right there with you. It was absolutely amazing. Those two girls are stunning and no one deserved that gold medal more than Nastia Liukin. The gymnastics and swimming have had me obsessed. I can’t get enough of Phelps’ chase for all of these records either. I work until 11 every night, so I come home and watch the rebroadcast from 1-4 AM, so needless to say I’ve been having many sleepless nights lately, lol. My body will enjoy the rest when the olympics are over, but I’m really loving them this year. They truly have been quite emotional and unbelievable.
Wasn’t that a breathtaking competition? Nastia trains not far from here, and she’s been ALLLLLL over the local news (and national, I realize). It’s always fun to have a hometown girl do well.
Andi: I noticed someone else mentioned that on your site today. That makes her win extra special.
Chris: I’m so tired…but I just cannot stop watching! Did you see Phelps’ .01 win tonight? Wow!!! That was amazing. That and the men’s beach volleyball comeback back to back. That was so great! I really hope Dara can pull off a miracle tomorrow and win gold.
It was amazing to watch. I’ve been caught up with Olympic fever myself. Have been watching all the games till midnight or past it.
We have been un-expectantly caught up in the Olympic fever at our house this year too and we agree too it has been quite an emotional Olympics.
I am always moved by what these athletes go through to even make it to the Olympics just to perform and represent their countries!
I love watching gymnastics. And they were so amazing. You’re right, most gymnasts look (and are!) so incredibly young. I find their dedication inspiring…practising for up to 9 hours a day for years and then having everything be determined in a few seconds…it takes nerves of steel. It must be so rewarding to have everything go well and win those well-deserved medals.
I didn’t plan on watching the Olympics this year either. Normally I am glued to them, but I am more for the winter than the summer. That being said, I have seen a fair chunk of them… Actually, I went to a bar the other night and I was sitting there staring at the television and offering commentary. My friends thought I was crazy! And I watched the male triathalon last night at work and I just stared. That was an awesome ending! So, yeah, watching the Olympics… even if Canada sort of, well, sucks…
I normally don’t watch sports, but I like the Olympics – especially for stories like these. I’m amazed at the dedication and discipline these kids put themselves through to achieve their goals. If I had 1% of their discipline I could transform my life, even at the age of 56.
BTW, Carl, you sure are great at finding stellar photos and art.
Oh-my-god how did I miss this post! maybe because I was too excited about the olympics during those days to read anything else apart from gymnastics news and videos:P
I was so happy that Nastia won, I was actually crying. I couldn’t believe it possible for her to beat Shawn, who’s such a sweetheart, but is not Nastia. and then the impossible happened and I was over the moon! what a competition. Thanks for reminding me:)