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Who’s watching the Olympics? I guess even if you’re not, it’s difficult to get away from them. Even though I’m not a huge sports fan, I’ve been glued to the tube. For me it’s not so much about the sports as it is about the tradition and sportsmanship – and the hard work and dedication it takes to get there.
I sat rapt, watching every minute of the opening ceremony. Of course, I loved Beckham, and Queen Elizabeth as a Bond girl, and watching her adorable corgis run through the halls of Buckingham Palace. Few moments compare to when Sir Paul got choked up as he led the HEY JUDE sing along. But what I loved most was the parade of nations, watching the beaming faces as the athletes marched out to represent their countries. Some nations had delegations so small you could count them on one hand – others, like the US, were hundreds strong. I read that the US Olympic committee sent 529 athletes (268 women, 261 men) to compete in 25 sports. The oldest is a 54-year-old equestrian and the youngest is a 15-year-old swimmer. Still, no matter the size of pack or the age of the athletes – or, for that matter, the sport in which they’re competing – what an honor to be in such company.
Another thing I love, which is a bit more personal, the University of Florida’s marching band is in London now. They were invited to be part of the Olympic festivities. They are the first non-British band to ever play on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. I know a handful of kids who are in the band. I couldn’t be prouder of them if they were my own. Go Gators!!
It’s early yet, but I have to say, thus far my personal heroine of the games is Jordan Wieber, the reigning gymnastics world champ. She was the heir apparent for the gold in the individual all-round gymnastics competition. On Suday, she was shut out of competing in the all-round finals because only two members from each team may advance to the finals. She came in third behind two of her teammates, losing the chance to realize her personal dream. Two days later, she put aside her personal loss and gracefully led her teammates to the gold in the team competition. In my book, she deserves a gold medal for being a wonderful, courageous role model – for all of us.
Overall, what I love most about the games is how every two years the world sets aside its differences and comes together as civilized people. As corny as it may sound, the games renew my faith in mankind.
What’s your favorite thing about the Olympics? I’ll give away advance copies of my September release TEXAS WEDDING to TWO people who post. RT BOOKclub magazine gave it a wonderful 4-star review!
Filed in: Jaunty Post,Nancy Robards Thompson
Aug 2nd
2012
1:28 am
Fedora Said:
Ooh, I could easily watch Olympics coverage all day and night
One of the things I love best is those stories they provide of the athletes’ backgrounds and the things they’ve overcome to even be at the Games. It’s such an amazing feat to rise to the level of the Olympics, much less medal!
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Aug 2nd
2012
2:08 am
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
I love those stories, too, Fedora!
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Aug 2nd
2012
2:17 am
Katherine Garbera Said:
I am loving every second of the Olympics. I used to be a competitive swimmer and still love watching the sport. I love it that Rowdy Gaines does the commentary for NBC–though I don’t hear him because I’m in the UK watching on the BBC where Ian Thorpe is doing commentary–still awesome. Did you guys see that kind from Lithuania who beat Phelps the other night. The look of shock and awe on his face…it was great.
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Aug 2nd
2012
6:30 am
Sandi in OH Said:
I loved the Opening Ceremony especially Queen Elizabeth as a Bond girl. She is a very good sport. I haven’t watched much of it but what I’ve watched has been wonderful. We have toured the summer games facilities in Colorado Springs and it is amazing. We actually saw Phelps swimming.
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Aug 2nd
2012
7:10 am
Emily McKay Said:
I don’t want to be a party-pooper, but I don’t really love the Olympics. I guess the gymnasts are interesting to watch. I did sort of follow the Jordan Wieber thing and that was sad. But for me, the Olympics are really just an excuse to finish up the dishes after dinner while everyone else is distracted.
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Aug 2nd
2012
8:26 am
Connie Fischer Said:
I love the diving and the gymnastics. The precision involved with each move is totally fascinating. My whole family has been staying up late following it. Both the winter and summer Olympics have always been something to look forward to.
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Aug 2nd
2012
9:34 am
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Kathy, will you get to see any of the games live?
Sandi, I hear the Queen has a fabulous sense of humor! She was such a good sport playing the Bond girl, wasn’t she?
You’re not a party-pooper, Emily! I know the Olympics aren’t for everyone. If the games give you a few minutes of personal peace, that’s a good thing, too.
Connie, last night we were marveling at the men’s gymnastics competition. HOW do they do that?? I got all teary when Danell Leyva miraculously pulled off the bronze! I love that his dad is his coach and that little ritual they have where his dad kissed the top of Danell’s head and pulls his ears.
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Aug 2nd
2012
9:41 am
Margo Maguire Said:
My favorite thing is that my son is recording them. So when we get a chance to sit down and watch, we can fast forward through all the commercials (yay!) and the commentary that doesn’t interest us.
What I wish they would do is NOT keep the camera glued to the faces of the kids who didn’t do well (or as well as they hoped). Because it’s heart-breaking enough for them without having the whole world watch as their emotions come apart.
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Aug 2nd
2012
9:54 am
wendy p Said:
I love the Olympics, ever since I was little (years and years ago) it used to be a family event where we would be glued to the tv – even my dad who never watched tv ever would sit there and watch. I have to say this years Olympics I have found that I am not liking it as much and I think it is because of the people covering it more than the actual games themselves. The first night where the commentors were making comments about North Korea, and other countries when it is LESS about their countries and MORE about the athletes. And then with the controversy over the Chinese swimmer – what she did was amazing – so far there hasn’t been any proof of doping so why are they harping on her wins as much as they are when back when Michael Phelps did amazing times and blew away his competition it was “awesome”. Yes, we all want “our team” to win, but we also need to be gracious in defeat. Getting off my soap box…my favorite part was watching Loche do well when the spotlight was so on Michel Phelps, and of course, I love the personal stories – especially the two gymnasts Gabbie Douglas and John Orozco’s stories – both coming from families that literally were struggling from the start to keep their kids in the sport and the sacrifices that they made. I know all families make sacrifices, but their stories really moved me and I personally think they were quite inspirational.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:17 am
Karen Bellamy Said:
I know that this isn’t strictly the olympics but my favourite part was when the olympic torch came to my town. I live in a small seaside town in Kent and on an extremely rare sunny morning the olympic torch came to town. It felt like the entire population turned out to welcome it and for the first time the olympics felt real, as if they were really happening – it was amazing. I know we Brits like to moan, please let’s not pretend we don’t, but as the torch got closer to London you could really feel the swell of British pride sweeping up the Thames.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:45 am
Molly Said:
I love watching swimming, gymnastics, volleyball…I could go on. I get so excited when I see USA come out on top.
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:12 am
Shana Said:
I’m sure this isn’t a surprise, but I haven’t been watching. I’ve just had too much work to do. I do hear some highlights from the other room, where my husband is watching.
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Aug 2nd
2012
12:05 pm
catslady Said:
I truly love it all!!! It’s on 5 different channels so I’ve been watching quite a bit lol. My only complaint is the delayed feed and as hard as I try not to hear he results ahead of time, it is almost impossible. At least it was easier on my nerves when I knew our female gymnists won ahead of time lol.
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Aug 2nd
2012
3:06 pm
bn100 Said:
I like the gymnastics.
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Aug 2nd
2012
5:09 pm
Terri Brisbin Said:
Nancy –
I confess to only watching the bits I see as I or hubby changes the channel….. I just don’t get into watching sports on tv…. But if I was there in London, I would be excited! LOL!
Terri
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Aug 2nd
2012
8:07 pm
Melody May Said:
The swimmers are my favorite.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:51 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
That’s exactly what I’m doing tonight, Margo! I’m going to zap right through the commercials and get straight to the events i want to watch.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:54 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Wendy P, I’ve been rooting for Ryan Lochte, too! He’s from the University of Florida. I have to cheer, GO GATORS every time he’s swimming. Still, I was glad that Michael Phelps achieved his goal of being the most decorated Olympian.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:57 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Karen, how exciting! Seeing the torch might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I’m glad you got to experience it! Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Aug 2nd
2012
10:58 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Me, too, Molly! Go, USA!!
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:00 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Shana, be sure and take some breaks even if they’re not Olympic viewing breaks. Remember to be good to yourself.
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:02 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Catslady, I usually hate spoilers because I like to be surprised. But I was glad to know the women’s gymnastics results before I watched. MUCH easier on the nerves.
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:03 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
bn100, I love the gymnastics, too! How do they do that??
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:03 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Terri, it would be fun to be in the midst of it, wouldn’t it?
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Aug 2nd
2012
11:05 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Melody May, my cousin posted the funniest Facebook status. She said: Where do I sign up to be the massage therapist for the US men’s swimming team.
I think I would enjoy that job, too!
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Aug 3rd
2012
11:08 am
Cathy P Said:
I haven’t really watched much of the Olympics this time. Too much has been going on this week for me. I really do enjoy swimming and gymnastics though.
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Aug 3rd
2012
11:25 am
infinitieh Said:
Ah, the Olympics… The two weeks every two years during which I suffer sleep deprivation and actually watch prime time television. Although I mostly watch te popular sports (gymnastics, swimming, diving) I also get sucked into watching whatever is on te cabe channels (water polo, field hockey, badminton, table tenns, handball, etc.).
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Aug 3rd
2012
3:05 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Cathy P, I hope you’ll get some Olympic time next week (if you want it).
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Aug 3rd
2012
3:07 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
infinitieh, all I can say is thank heavens for DVRs! I’ve been recording the games and zapping through the commercials! But that means I’ve been staying up late because in some cases – like last night’s gymnastics – I just had to watch it before I went to bed.
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Aug 3rd
2012
3:10 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Thanks for commenting, everyone! The Quills are going to start trying something new. We’re posting the winners of our weekly contests on Sundays. So, please check the blog on Sunday, 8/5 (EST), to see who will win the advance copies of my soon-to-be-released book TEXAS WEDDING. I’ll keep the contest open until Saturday night.
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