In just a couple of days, the 2010 Winter Olympics will be over. I know that a lot of people don’t bother to watch the Olympics (and some actually avoid it at all costs), but this post isn’t for them, it’s for you – you, that person who’s been watching every day, cheering on your favorite athletes, mouring alongside the losers, and generally enjoying the HELL out of the 21st Olympic Winter games.
I’ve mentioned before that this is the first Olympics I’ve really gotten into. I’ve watched the Olympics in the past, of course – it’s kinda tough to miss every single Olympics for 37 years, so I was bound to see some of the Games. But this is the first year I’ve watched Every. Single. Night. It’s the first time I’ve made an effort to find out when certain events are being broadcast, and the first time I’ve made sure I watch specific competitors. My favorites? Well, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you already know of my appreciation of Apolo Ohno. If you ask the Bunker Hubby, he’ll tell you it’s because Apolo is young and handsome. But that’s not really the reason I enjoy watching him so much (I think of those as simply the bonuses). No, I watch him skate because the first time I saw him compete (in this year’s Olympics), I was blown away by his amazing talent. In one instant on that ice, he made every other competitor out there look like they just learned to skate. His ability to strategize his way to the front, and then kick ass in order to get there, is phenomenal.
We’ve also been watching the downhill/Nordic skiers, the figure skaters and ice dancers, and the snowboarders. Shaun White was absolutely incredible, Shen and Zhao were breathtaking, and Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller have been unbelievable. It’s been nothing less than amazing to see these athletes, at the top of their careers (and the top of their sport, many of them), kicking major ass on an international stage.
It’s truly been an honor and a blessing to be able to watch them share their gifts with the rest of us. So on Sunday evening, I’m sure that I’ll be shedding a few tears (along with several million other fans) as the Olympics comes to a close. I don’t even want to think about what I’ll be doing with my evenings, without an Olympics to watch…
…then again, it’s only two years until the Summer Olympics. London, here we come!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey – great post – I feel exactly the same way about the Olympics. It’s nice to see the world come together for two weeks in the spirit of competition and camaraderie and put aside our pettiness to cheer for those who sacrifice and train for mere seconds of sport.
I too feel the pang of sadness and regret during the closing ceremonies; that I didn’t watch as much as I could have, or missed a great moment – even if our country wasn’t the one on top. We still have a couple of days of great competition left – let us revel in their time!
PS: Correction – did you mean Shaun White (snowboarding)?
Thank you for the correction – It’s the weirdest thing, I always combine Shaun White and Seth Wescott when I talk about them – maybe because they have the same initials? Henceforth they shall become one person: Seth White, powerhouse of snowboarding!!
I think I missed my calling as a mad scientist
I totally hear you on the last couple of days of competition. I’ll be GLUED to my TV tonight, catching the last of short track speed skating. I think it’s too funny that they’ve out the shortest and longest programs on the same night. So hopefully we’ll get to see Apolo kick ass on both the 500 AND the relay. Both should be complete insanity! woo!