Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Loving the Olympics

I've been watching Olympic coverage since 1976 when Nadia Comaneci got 10s on the uneven parallel bars. But more than the amazing feats of strengths, I love the stories of athletes with amazing hearts.

-Like the 2 runners that got caught up in each other's cleats and helped each other across the line second last and last. That was in a qualifying heat and the amazing judges let them both go on to the next round.

-Like the 41 year old gymnast from Uzbekistan. I'm going to spell that out if that didn't sink in. FORTY-ONE.

-Like the equestrian from the Netherlands whose horse was sick so she bowed out of the competition so he could recover.

So inspiring and they all get gold for heart. Now I'm watching men's decathlon and holy smokes, these athletes are amazing. They'd be world class at any one of these things but they do 10. They run 100m, 400m, 1500m, hurdles, long jump, high jump, discuss, shot put, pole vault and javelin. Isn't that fucking insane?

Family and I had a good laugh thinking about other crazy events. We couldn't stop laughing at the thought of having a "mystery decathlon". The athletes would show up at the Olympics not knowing what 10 events they'd be competing in. They just put everything in a hat and draw them. Picture their faces as their events get pulled.

Archery!

Judo!

Weightlifting!

Dressage!

Ping Pong!

Steeplechase!

Race Walking!

Boxing!

BMX!

Rhythmic Gymnastics!

I'm giggling at the thought. The mind tends to wander as they cut away from decathlon to golf and back.

After all this there is still 4 days left. I wonder what other stories they have in store. Are there any stories you loved from the Olympics thus far? What's your favourite sport to watch? All? None? This is the only time I'm a sports fan so you won't be insulting me...

kxx