We are loving watching the Olympics! The gymnastics, the synchronized diving, the swimming… I enjoy watching to see if the athletes know the words to their national anthems. And we got a kick out of Mark Spitz’s generous but somewhat arrogant interview this evening.
But I must vent a little. While I can appreciate the that he’s a specimen of speed, finesse, and physical perfection, I am getting a little TIRED of Michael Phelps!
It’s getting far too predictable for me. “Ooh, is that Michael Phelps in lane 5? I wonder if he’ll win by a few seconds or a few milliseconds.” Sorry, but it’s a little redundant.
My new appreciation is for Dara Torres:
She’s a 41 year-old mother competing in her 5th Olympics! Not only is she confident in her post baby body, but she even looks great in that very unflattering body suit. And you can totally tell that she’s a mother. This evening, the athlete in the lane next to hers had a tear in her suit and so went to put another on. If Dara had been a young, competitive, self-concerned swimmer, she might have quietly hoped that the race would start without her. But, being the mother that she is, Dara alerted a race official of the situation, calmed the other racers down, waited for her racemate to return in a new suit, and then turned around and won her event! Now THAT is refreshing!
I am loving the olympics!! Our world has such great talent… it is amazing!! I heard a thing on the TV today that said Mike Phelps didn’t win a gold medal this morning… and the reason… he wasn’t in the race… hee hee hee! They think they are so clever!
Sooooo ditto on the Michael Phelps! It’s sad for the other athletes too, they are all amazing, but the interviewers are like, “Great job, so and so, I’m sure you tried real hard and everything, but, WOW what do you think of Michael Phelps, is he a phenom, or what?” And the poor athlete is left standing there, going “Yah, he’s really great.” I mean, what are they supposed to say?
Well I still love Michael Phelps. His accomplishments during these Olympics were amazing and will likely never be repeated by him again … he is humbly enjoying his glory in the spotlight. Swimming almost never gets recognition outside of the Olympics (and my blog … LOL). I do hope that he stays true to himself and doesn’t get too wrapped up in all the hype that surrounds him now.
DARA totally ROCKS! I too thought the same thing about trying to postpone the race a few minutes. Even though it was her competition, she felt that person was worthy of getting to the blocks. This was definitely the selfless act of a mother … someone who has learned over time that life is more than just about oneself.