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.
