July 14, 2010

Happy Birthday! Vive La France!

Perhaps it is a tad self-indulgent, but today is my birthday.  Yes, on this day,  my parents welcomed into the world their fourth child, although they had no idea that this little bundle of joy would grow into such a fierce Olympic fanatic.

I’ve always been proud that July 14 was the day I was born.  I share my birthday with the great country of France, which celebrates its independence on this day, known as Bastille Day.  I also  share a birthday with 321 Olympians known to have been born on July 14.  Of the many on the list, I was particularly pleased to see the name of Nataliya Mishkutyonok, one of my favorite figure skaters.

Most of us think we have the Ancient Greeks to thank for the Olympics, and yes, it is true that they are the ones who created the original Games.   Yet without France, one of the greatest countries in the world, there would be no Baron Pierre de Coubertin.  Without the vision and determination of Coubertin, there would be no Modern-Day Olympics.  And I cannot imagine my life without the Olympics.

To France, Nataliya, and all Olympians who celebrate a birthday today, I say Bon Anniversaire! Happy Birthday to us!

Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

July 13, 2010

The Mystery of George Eyser

Just last week, George Eyser made my list of heroic Summer Olympians.  In reading about his life, it seemed that he embodied  some of the characteristics of a great Olympian.  Competing at the 1904 Olympic Games with a prosthetic leg, he won several medals–gold, silver, and bronze.  I love stories like these, where athletes rise above challenges, emerging victorious.  I was intrigued by George Eyser and his inspirations story.  I thought he’d make a great subject for a blog entry.   Other than an amputee, an Olympian, and a gymnast, who was George Eyser?

Keep reading →

July 4, 2010

Greatest American Summer Olympians

Much like Memorial Day,  Independence Day  has become associated more with parades, barbecues, and picnics than its actual significance.  We often fail to stop and remember the courage which was exhibited by the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the impact of their actions.

Feeling patriotic today, I thought it would be a great time to make my list of favorite American Summer Olympians.  They are the ones whom I deem to be  Olympic Heroes.  There was no set of criteria use to make this selection, but  I did take into account the number of medals won, the adversity they might have faced, and how they carried themselves when representing the USA during the Summer Olympics.

So, to Shannon Miller, Greg Louganis, Bob Beamon, Al Oerter, Jesse Owens, John Jesus Flanagan, Patricia McCormick, Glenn Ashby Davis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis, Jim Thorpe, Ray Ewry, Michael Phelps, George Eyser, Tracy Caulkins, Janet Evans, Karch Kiraly, Wilma Rudolph, Mark Spitz, and Flo Hyman, I salute you!

Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

June 29, 2010

Instant Replay in Sports Should be Universal

A "photo finish" at an Olympic cycling event.

To err is human, but to persevere in error is only the act of a fool. -Cicero

Some of you  may have noticed my longer-than-usual absence from the blogosphere.    Between recovering from multiple bee stings, indulging myself in World Cup action, and attending to my day job, there has been little time for me to write.  I have emerged from my post-Benadryl fog and for now, the work load has slightly lessened.  However, the World Cup in South Africa is still producing much excitement–and lots of disputable calls.

Keep reading →

June 11, 2010

FIFA World Cup–The Other Olympics?

My spouse, who is a soccer fanatic, told me today, “You know how you are about the Olympics?  Well, this is my Olympics.”  Just as our television remained on NBC during February, for the next month, our television will be staying on ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel for all the coverage of the 2010 World Cup action.  It is what the whole world is watching.  Well, except for the majority of Americans.  Still don’t understand that….

I have to agree with the Olympics comparison.  It may only consist of one sport, but the FIFA World Cup is much like the Olympics.  Thousands converge on one city/country, a chance for sports fans to gather and cheer for their country, their favorite players.  Like the Olympics, it’s a beautiful blend of sport and culture, offering an opportunity for people to set aside political hostilities, racial and cultural differences, and join together for the love of the game–”The Beautiful Game.”  It doesn’t excite me as much as the Olympic Games, but it is quite exciting and it gives me a chance to watch the very best in soccer.

This hosting of the 2010 World Cup will no doubt boost South Africa’s chances of hosting a 2020 Olympics.  More on that later.  I’ve got some football soccer to watch!

Swifter, Higher, Stronger.