It began a few months ago. The ads began creeping into my sight-line. First on cereal boxes; then on radio and television commercials and magazine ads. Those unmistakable five, multi-colored rings are iconic to the the entire world. I am sure there are very few people on this great planet that do not recognize the Olympic rings when they see them.
It is one of my guilty pleasures, watching the Olympics. I am especially intrigued by the not-so-famous sports such as curling in the Winter Games and water polo or hand ball in the Summer Games.
I fall in love with the Olympic Villages where temporary housing is set up for the athletes who will compete in the games. I admire their commitment and their voracious need to completely out-do themselves and possibly end up being the best in their sport. And yet, miraculously, they are not afraid to take the risk in front of the entire, critical world.
I watch all opening and closing ceremonies in awe of the spectacle created by thousands of performers, musicians, and the athletes themselves. I love the fashions that are specially designed for each country's athletes.
There is usually a song that is performed by the host country's most beloved artist. Awe inspiring lyrics set to soaring melodies meant to make us cry and ache to be young again. I keep the Kleenex handy.
I used to be one of those people who watched and longed to be an Olympic athlete. I have not one shred of athletic ability but that never stopped me from dreaming and picturing myself in a skating costume or those cool outfits the cyclists wear.
Millions of kids around the world will hopefully be inspired to get up off their couches and dedicate their lives to being the best in their chosen sport. At it's worst, it inspires them to get up. At best, it inspires them to be more than they can even imagine...to best their own best and to be a good sport and lose graciously.
This year, the backdrop is one of my favorite cities in the world. London. I will constantly be looking for the places I visited. I already saw people interviewed near a tea shop I visited near Tower Bridge. I will constantly be calling out to my husband "I was there!" And I will do it every time I see a place I visited. Every time. Poor husband!
I will pick my favorite gymnast and my favorite diver (they are not always from my own country) and I will cheer them on and weep when they weep. I am just that kind of dork. I can't help it.
I remember, as a child, watching Olga Korbut and Mark Spitz and Nadia and Bruce Jenner and countless other young, strong, dedicated human beings from all over the world. I would spin in my hallway like Peggy Fleming and Dorothy Hamill. Or so I thought.
I was inspired then and I am sure that I will be when I watch the events unfold for the next two weeks. I will get chills when I hear the Olympic theme and I will suddenly become interested in kayaking and beach volleyball and shot put!
The whole world will be watching with me. Records will be broken. Precedents will be set. Some will be victorious. Some will be vilified. Most will just be grateful for having had the opportunity. And I will be honored to see it all.
Do watch with me!
