Let the Games Begin!

The Olympics.

The gathering of all nations to show the world that our athletes are better than yours.

Yes, its comical, but true. Each country aspires to find and produce the most successful athletes they can. It's OPERATION: Prove Superiority. When, in reality, the appeal of the Olympics has little to do with the country. It has everything to do with the competitors and their fierce, passionate, unadulterated love for the game. However, we feel attached to these competitors because we are tied together through our country. We have the same roots, grew up eating the same food, watched the same television shows, have the same accent, for goodness sake (though as Americans, we often tend to be ignorant to the fact that we do have a distinguishable accent)! We want to see if our country can bring home the most medals. And I love that the Olympics creates national unity (no matter how short lived) through this desire to win. It's in that moment when we see our favorite competitors mouthing the words to the national anthem as tears spring from their eyes that we think, I'm proud to be an American (or [insert your country here]). 

But I think that it unites us further than just by country. There is undeniable respect among athletes and spectators from different countries. I found that this was true when I attended Women's Gymnastics. I had no clue who was competing that night. I ended up having the opportunity to watch Romania, Japan, and a few other teams, which wouldn't have been my first choices. However, when you see these athletes, whether you're in Category AA (impossible seats to get) all the way to E (when all that you see is essentially a small speck), its impossible not to get excited. I found myself cheering and clapping wildly for their performances, even though deep down I'm completely Team USA. But these girls are amazing. You can't help but cheer for them. They defy the laws of gravity and do it with grace, confidence, and energy.

Respect.

What a great aspect to add to sports. That's what I feel is missing at so many games. We're so focused on our team and winning that we fill ourselves with hate toward the opposing team. But that doesn't seem to exist at the Olympics. I loved that Michael Phelps received standing ovations, words of praise, and probably a few jaw drops last night from crowds, commentators, and athletes as they witnessed him break the world record for most Olympic medals won. While I'm sure there were feelings of disappointment to those that lost in the event, everyone present couldn't help but tip their hat to Phelps, who now has acquired a well deserved spot in Olympic history.

I love this picture. He's just glowing. 

And I got to see him in action! Let me tell you, it was glorious. From the moment Phelps stepped into the main area of the Aquatics center, there was an immediate presence. My whole body shook with excitement and I struggled to maintain my composure (I was after all, sitting alone, and had no one to express my excitement to). At first I could only see the back of him, but I could clearly see his trademark headphones fixed over his white swimming cap, his blue and white parka hanging loosely over his body, and his relaxed pace as he walked toward the block in his sandals. 

Phelps, leaning over the pool near the official

Phelps had all the eyes of the crowd on him from the moment he appeared in the stadium and stepped on the block. The fans, particularly Americans, cheered loudly as the sound went off and the swimmers dove into the pool. Phelps led the pack the entire way, with deliberate strokes and artful flip turns, but in the end had to settle for third. I can't say that I was surprised. First of all, its only the heats. Second, Phelps is beginning to slow down this Olympics. He is trying his best, but you can only be invincible for so long. Although, as the British competitors said (with a hint of bitterness), "With 19 medals--15 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze--I think he'll sleep fine at night." The crowd--myself included-- cheered and tried to take as many pictures and video of him as possible. It was overwhelming to know that I was in the presence of one of the most amazing swimmers in the world. I watched every moment of Phelps's journey in Beijing and fell in love with his passion for the sport and his extreme talent. I also found it hilarious how NBC examined his body (wingspan, leg length, etc.) and determined that he was physically destined for this sport. 

The 200m fly was far too short, but just to know that I was there is something that I will NEVER forget. The feelings will never go away, and the image of Phelps entering the center is one that is burned into my memory. I found myself fighting back tears as I left the arena, thinking, I just saw MICHAEL PHELPS. I just saw MICHAEL PHELPS. I relayed this story to someone and they laughed at me (rightfully so). I don't know why I was so emotional. But an opportunity to attend the Olympics only comes once in a lifetime, I suppose more if you're lucky. And being part of it is an experience that words simply cannot do justice. All I can really say is that the Olympics are amazing in every aspect. It really was the best weekend I've ever had.