The Olympics

ional holidays? I think they should be. If the Olympics coverage during the week is anything like it was last weekend, many of us would rather be at home in front of the television than almost anywhere else.

Last Friday, a friend asked me if I was going to watch the opening ceremonies that night. I said I didn’t know, that I am not much into ceremony. And, the coverage interfered with the Braves game, which I try to watch as often as humanly possible.

As it turned out, we gave the remote a workout and flipped back and forth between the opening ceremony and the Braves…and did that again Saturday and Sunday.

But Saturday and Sunday there was a lot more flipping than that. There was Olympic coverage on at least three channels, so we’d watch a bit of soccer, flip to basketball, then catch some ping-pong.

I don’t really remember if those three were on at the same time, but I know over the weekend we saw those sports and at least parts of volleyball, beach volleyball, two different types of rowing, gymnastics, diving, swimming, bicycling, badminton, and I’m not at all sure that there weren’t more.

I saw the promo for the Eventing, which I would not have known what it was had it not been for Monticello’s own Matilda Segal competing (and medaling) in the Junior Olympics two weeks ago in that competition.

The preacher almost lost control of the congregation Sunday morning. He was telling of some Christian athletes to watch, and listen to their testimony if the opportunity arose. But, before he got very far into his remarks, many of us began talking about the events we’d been watching. It was clear I was not the only person caught up in Olympic mania.

The Olympics continue until August 12, I believe. Luckily in this day and age we have ways to record the shows we miss so we can catch them later. The news coverage is interesting, too. They warn you before they show who won events so if you haven’t watched yet, and don’t want to be spoiled, you won’t know. (There’s quite a time difference between London and Georgia.)

Many of us remember the Olympics in Atlanta which I believe were snubbed in this year’s opening ceremonies. So they weren’t “the greatest games ever.” For those of us who were there, we know it was one of the greatest times ever in our lives.

I had the privilege of volunteering, and served as security in the main press center. I also had the opportunity to go to several events. And, mainly, I had the opportunity to be in Atlanta at an historic time. The energy and excitement that emanated throughout Georgia during those weeks was palpable.

I can’t tell you how many people join me in saying they had just left Centennial Olympic park when that awful bomb went off. I think as many people as were there, at least that many had just left. I stayed with friends in Stone Mountain some nights while volunteering, and they had friends in from across the country who came to see this games.

I think part of the excitement of the games is the youth. So many of the competitors are so young. And, with some exceptions, they are considered “amateurs.” They have not been paid to exhibit their skills.

And, as I was watching women’s volleyball, I thought…what a shame they can’t use that talent to make a living. There are some sports that offer professional opportunities. But, as evident by the games, there are probably many more that do not.

I can’t help but be impressed by these athletes who have worked so hard to be the best at their sport, so they can show the world. Most won’t go on to make millions with their skill. But they’ve given so much to prove…to themselves as well as the rest of the world…just what they are capable of.

I am a sports fan. I enjoy most sports, as a spectator mind you. First off, I am a huge Braves fan. But I am also a Falcons fan, and a Georgia Bulldogs fan. I’ve been known to watch a NASCAR race or two, but I don’t plan my schedule around them.

I enjoy watching high school football, basketball, softball and baseball right here in Monticello. And, never forget, my youngest daughter was on the competition cheerleading squad when in high school, and yes, that is a sport. If you don’t believe it, you should see what they go through—weight training, tumbling at the gym, and daily practice. Or look at the injury statistics. I believe cheerleading is the most dangerous high school sport.

Band is not a sport. But, I bet some members of that marching band out there on the field this week would say it’s mighty physical.

Yes, band members don’t just have to learn how to read and play music, they also march while doing it. They are out there practicing in the hot sun just like the softball and football teams.

But, I digress. I just thought it was worth mentioning that if you are looking for me during the Olympics coverage, the best place to look might be in front of the television.