Have we ever needed the Olympics more?!
It’s been a weird and very isolating 8 years politically and with a pandemic. I give Tokyo props for pulling it off in 2021, but this Olympics has showed us what it looks like to come back together and really cheer for one another. Thank you for reminding us how to strive for our best, how to hug our opponents, and how to cry – be it with joy or sorrow, it all was such a needed release.
Personal Insights and Highlights Include...
The progression of women (athletes) over my lifetime - marked by changes in appearance, demeanor, and commentary – brings me such hope. Watching the Olympics as a child it seemed like the expectation was to look pretty, smile and wave, say the ‘right’ things. The women of the 2024 Olympics are showing up with the most amazing and diverse physiques suited perfectly for their sports and emphasis is put more on their performance than appearance. They are also showing up with opinions and advocating for causes and they are cheering on their teammates – and their competitors. And by doing so, they are giving the women watching permission and inspiration to do the same.
I have never seen individuals collectively will their way into the winner’s circle more than the US Men’s Track and Field Team. Noah Lyles in the 100, Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse in the 1500, Quincy Hall in the 400, Kenneth Rooks in Steeplechase, Crouser and Kovaks in the shot. Some of these guys are humble, others come across as cocky, but they have all made me a bigger believer in gritting your way to the finish and manifesting your victory.
On the women’s side, I’m convinced Gabby and Sydney are superhumans: faster, smarter, nicer, with better complexions than the rest of us mortals. My daughter said it best while watching Sydney, “Slay, Queen.” (And that was before the tiara!)
And shout-out to Sha’Carri. From being penalized so severely for pot to owning it and not excusing it, to make her way back and then fall short in the 100 only to celebrate her opponent at the finish line, and then to finally take gold in the 4 x 1… phew… for being such a fast-twitch sprinter, she has a heck of a lot of endurance.
More Highlights Include...
I LOVE the mixed relays! They break down gender barriers and they push women toward their best times. Loved cheering for the pool, track, and tri mixed relays. That Femke Bol comeback for the Netherlands in the 4 x 4 was unbelievable!
Name the sport you forgot was a sport but held you completely mesmerized and impressed: Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Name your favorite Olympic athlete: Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the high jumper from Ukraine. I mean, how could I not love an athlete who zips herself up in a sleeping bag and lies down on an inflatable pad in between her events?! She not only won the high jump gold, she also introduced camping into the olympics. But, in all seriousness, there are times when you are cheering for more than the sport or the athlete. Thank you to Yaroslava and all the Ukrainian athletes for reminding us of harsh realities. I hope that you heard us roar for you.
Don’t you want Katie Ledecky to be your friend or sister or in your inner circle somehow?! Beyond being the most decorated U.S. female Olympian and winning 4 golds over 4 Olympics in the 800 free, she comes across as incredibly kind and genuine. Maybe it’s because Katie sets the tone and culture for the team, but the entire women’s roster was so easy to cheer for and want to grab coffee with. Thank you to Gretchen, Kate, Katie, Torri and others who made us feel like fans and friends.
Also...
- I know I mentioned tears in the intro, but I cried for Djokovic and Alcaraz after the men’s tennis finals. When Alcaraz gets choked up and starts wiping his eyes when he earnestly talks about how much he wanted to win for Spain and how much pressure he put on himself to represent his country… tissues, please. And, then, the resilience and passion that Djokovic showed in pursuing the gold, then finally winning it at age 37 and climbing up into the crown to hug his kids, and calling it the greatest sporting success of his career… I… was… a… puddle.
- What new sport would you add? The ultimate endurance challenge!! At the opening ceremony you set a bunch of endurance athletes off on a predetermined route or loop and then see how many miles/kilometers they can travel over the course of the next two weeks. The event ends at the closing ceremony with the farthest distances traveled respectively receiving gold, silver and bronze.
- If you didn’t know women’s wrestling was a thing, Amit Elor, just showed us that it was and that she is dominant in her sport. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, and someone who lost her brother to tragedy and grieved the passing of her father, she shows us all how to stand our ground, stay on our feet, and fight back.
- Women’s Gymnastics. At first Simone Biles was redefining elements within her routines, now she is redefining a sport with her actions. It’s not always well received when an athlete all of a sudden has opinions and steps outside the norms by talking about mental health, clapping back about her hair, and giving a bow to Rebeca Andrade and a shout out to the all black podium. And THAT’s what is so great about it. She is not after approval, alignment or affirmation; she is showing up as herself. And that is pretty impressive considering she has been conditioned to be judged.
- For two weeks, screen time went out the window at our house and we soaked it all in. It was so good. Not just as entertainment, but as a reminder of what individuals can do, how teams can work together, and what culture can and should be. It should be noted that the original Olympics in Greece also included poetry, music, and theater. I am grateful for any artistic or athletic endeavor that brings out the best in people. The International Olympics Committee states that part of their mission is to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby promote peace. I know that might seem overly simplistic or naïve, but I fully believe that we are closer to peace with the Olympics than without it.
- Heading Four, ordered list
- Professionally matrix intuitive
- users rather than extensible e-tailers. Assertively plagiarize extensive "outside the box" thinking vis-a-vis sticky synergy.
- Conveniently unleash corporate architectures through proactive ROI.
Closing Ceremonies
For two weeks, screen time went out the window at our house and we soaked it all in. It was so good. Not just as entertainment, but as a reminder of what individuals can do, how teams can work together, and what culture can and should be. It should be noted that the original Olympics in Greece also included poetry, music, and theater. I am grateful for any artistic or athletic endeavor that brings out the best in people. The International Olympics Committee states that part of their mission is to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby promote peace. I know that might seem overly simplistic or naïve, but I fully believe that we are closer to peace with the Olympics than without it.
