The 2016 Olympics

Every four years we hear the familiar theme of the Olympic Games, the cadence of the drum followed by the distinctive brass joining. This piece, “Bugler’s Dream” by Leo Arnaud has been used by ABC and NBC as the intro for their broadcast of the Summer and Winter Olympic games since 1968.

We may not know the names of the athletes or what they do best, but it is such an uplifting event that we root for them anyway. Seeing our men and women on the top step to receive the gold medal and hear our national anthem is as inspirational as it gets. As first time Olympic team member and gold medal winner, Ryan Held, cried during the anthem, some called them “tears of gold.”

At age 31, the “Baltimore Bullet,” Michael Phelps, has won more Olympic medals than anyone. He was not destined to succeed in life as he has ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which caused him to be overly active and not stay on task.

His mother, a middle school principal, found him an outlet for his extra energy, swimming. Almost immediately he found his talent. Scientists have tried to analyze what makes him tick, the 80 inch arm span, his size 14 flipper feet, double jointed or is it the sheer will that some describe as the Olympic spirit.

So many stories are a part of the Olympic games, so many that succeed overcoming their difficulties, past and pain to attain their goal. So special to be there and to be a part of history. Ten Georgians are in Rio competing in the 2016 Olympics and are now in the history books.