I absolutely love the Olympics. It’s once every four years and for many of the athletes, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime for them to showcase just how much hard work they have put into their sport. For some, winning the gold completely changes their lives. There have been some remarkable feats already alone. I’ve been incredibly enthused with the gymnastics (I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that sport). For Liukin and Johnson to go 1-2 in the women’s all -around final is just amazing! Though I think both gymnasts are great, I especially like Johnson’s balanced lifestyle–that she actually has one and is an elite athlete. I also like her coach’s philosophy of having a “happy” environment and showing that there is another way of coaching apart from Bela Karolyi.
Swimming has also been on my radar these last few years. Michael Phelps is a phenomenal athlete. I love watching him move through the water and having such flawless technique. If you watch him carefully, you can see the differences in his technique compared to other swimmers. He barely goes out of the water, just skimming it. And I can’t wait to watch Dara Torres in the final of the 50m. I think she too is just a cool athlete. No doubt being 41 years old and competing with those half her age is really amazing. I admire her overall drive, balance, and “class” of an athlete.
Then the track finals come underway. It’s an exciting showdown in both the sprints and distance races. Though I don’t have a favorite who I want to win, whoever will win, I think will have the race of their lives. It all comes down to hundredths of a second.
So the Olympics has just drawn me in. Yes, there is the controversy of China and I know quite a few people who are “boycotting” the Games because of it. In my opinion, they are missing the point really, but that’s just me. I think every night with the exception of last night, I’ve stayed up until 1 AM or longer. My normal schedule consists of maybe one or two nights of going to bed that late. But every night is really taking a toll on me and my running. It’s a horrible excuse I know, but I know I can’t be the only one either. According to ratings, there are 70-80 million viewers a night watching. I bet there are just so many bleary-eyed workers out there. What I feel bad about is all those kiddies who just began school and who may also be following the Olympics. Though parents should of course take a stand, but still, it’s the OLYMPICS.
So anyway, I just remind myself that’s it’s just one more week of major sleep deprivation, then I can go back to my normal amount of sleep deprivation which is still too much but not quite as much if you know what I mean. In the long run, it is worth it, so I can’t complain that much.
