Confessions of an Olympics junkie...

Every two years alternating 'twixt summer and winter Olympiads I am totally hooked.  Glued to the television and the myriad of channels covering Olympic sports ranging from the usual suspects, to the "no way THAT is an Olympic sport!".  And in the case of Rio?  I've succumbed to modern technology and found a new additional fix for my obsession...Internet streaming.   Yep, Olympic coverage verging on 24/7. And yes, I feel vastly superior to those not watching Rio, but out meandering the streets searching for the elusive Pokemon.  Just don't tell me that will be one of those new Olympic sports added for Tokyo in 2020.

I have never had the honor of attending an Olympic Game as a spectator.  But I have had the pleasure of visiting Olympic sights in Lake Placid, Athens, Barcelona, and most recently...Squaw Valley, California.  The history of the athletes, and their stories, that walked the same soil (or snow) moves me like few other places.

So.  Many.  Emotions.

"Olympic Flame"
Squaw Valley, California

"Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics"
Squaw Valley, California



"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning, but taking part;
the essential thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well."

-Pierre de Coubertin, founder Olympic International Committee

"Ascent"
(transport to the winter Olympic venues)
Squaw Valley, California

"We Have Arrived"
Squaw Valley, California


"The Olympics are a beautiful metaphor for world cooperation,
the kind of international competition that's wholesome and healthy,
an interplay between countries that represents the best in us all."

-John Williams

Pride.  Spirit.  Unity.  Dedication and sacrifice.  A multitude of stories illustrating commitment and hard work.  The universe works in strange ways, but always with a purpose.  I do not find it ironic at all that the world needs a reminder of these virtues every few years.  Maybe even more so this year. It's just what the world needs, and at the exact right time.  A timely memo.  A not so gentle nudge to be the best you can be.

"Olympic Rings"
Squaw Valley, California
(Lake Tahoe in the background)

"Olympic gold medals aren't really made of gold.

They are made of sweat, determination, 

and a lot of a hard-to-find alloy called guts."

-Dan Gable, Olympic wrestler

"It is the inspiration of the Olympic Games that drives people not only to compete but to improve,
and to bring lasting spiritual and moral benefits to the athletes
and inspiration to those lucky enough to witness the athletic dedication.

-Herb Elliott, Olympic mid-distance runner

"Most other competitions are individual achievements,
but the Olympic Games is something that belongs to everybody."

-Scott Hamilton, Olympic figure skater

Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to witness Olympic athletic dedication in person.  Honestly, I don't know how I would actually be able to handle it tho. The level of stress, anxiety and nerves I experience watching from my couch while chowing down on a pint of Ben & Jerry's boggles my mind...AND my scale.

  

"Excellence"
Squaw Valley, California

"The Olympics remain the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sport,

and maybe in life itself."

-Dawn Fraser, Olympic swimmer

The Olympic Games are sometimes the only exposure we have to certain countries.  They show the human side of nations that we may be unfamiliar with.  OR, they show an all too familiar side of a nation that we had a very different preconception of.  When the only "sport" many of us excel at is sitting on our sofas, watching television, and passing judgment via social media...perhaps partaking, even virtually, the quest for excellence can change the world.  Even if only for a few weeks.

My name is Kathy, and I am an Olympics junkie.  And for a few weeks, the world is a better place.

That's.  My.  Confession.

Here's where I "link up" today