The excitement that we only feel every four years begins next week with the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics, which are held in London this year.
It seems that many Americans gain a renewed sense of pride and patriotism for about two weeks as athletes in a variety of summer style sports. Many may not have been gymnastics or diving fans, but they will be come next week.
Americans have good reason to poke their chests out. The USA typically dominates the overall medal count, especially in certain sports.
I'm not an Olympics fanatic personally, but there are certain sports and events I cannot miss. These include beach volleyball, track and field, swimming, and of course basketball.
This year is the 20th anniversary of The Dream Team, perhaps the greatest basketball team ever assembled with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and several other NBA Hall of Famers. This year's team, defending the gold from the 2008 Olympics, consists of future Hall of Famers such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and of course Kobe Bryant. They aren't quite the 1992 Dream Team, but they are heavy favorites in the Olympics this year.
I look forward to watching athletes that made big headlines in 2008 such as Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, and also new athletes come to the forefront and make a name for themselves.
The Olympics have been tainted over the years with steroid allegations and other such scandals that have caused records and hard earned medals to be stripped. It does seem like some things are too good to be true. Nevertheless, the 2012 Olympics will still be highly watched by many.
I know I have said this before, but we should always be as proud to be Americans year round, and not just when occasions such as 9/11, the 4th of July and The Olympics come around. True patriotism is showing it consistently, and appreciating the work these athletes put in to even qualify. It's more than just two weeks for them. Often its half a lifetime, and their life to train.
Go USA!!! Win as many medals as possible, and continue to make our great country proud.
Every American should be proud to display their patriotic spirit and pride for the 2012 Olympians. I believe the security in London will be extremely tight as large gatherings such as the Olympics can provide a sense of danger in the volatile circumstances our countries face daily.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I hope the Olympics will be a celebration of the hard work these athletes have endured for years to accomplish the title of an Olympian and be held with no major incidents.
I for one can not wait for the Olympics to begin. The London 2012 Olympics are not half a world away from me this time and I look forward to watching as many of the events as possible.
Even though I'm not a swimmer, I always look forward to the diving and swimming competitions. I admire anyone who has no fear of water and heights such as the divers from the high board. The grace and poise as they enter the water with a minimum of splash is breathtaking.
The Women's Soccer Games have begun and there are many great events to come. The opening and closing ceremonies should be an extravaganza and I await them with great anticipation.
Make us all proud Team U.S.A. I will be cheering for you all the way any my American flag will be flying proudly from my Dutch balcony!