Almost Over

As I write this post, the Closing Ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing is drawing to a close. These games have seen also sorts of World and Olympic Records broken. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been spectacular. Now we must wait four long years until the games in London, or at least two years until the Winter Games in Vancouver to see Olympic action once again.

The Olympic Games are one of the greatest things in the world these days. I am amazed that we are actually able to pull these things off. It is refreshing to see that mankind can come together for something.

Whether or not you thought that China was a good choice for these games and whether or not you felt they should be permitted to host the games, I have to say that I enjoyed watching the athletes give it there all and compete for Olympic Gold. I prefer to think that these games were less about China and more about the athletes. Sure - China will get some credit but I will spend more time remembering folks like Phelps, Johnson, Misty May and Carrie, and many many others.

To all the athletes who competed - well done! Congratulations to all the medalists. To Team USA - thanks for making us proud with all of your efforts. See you in London in 2012!!!!!

Proud to be American!

I have spent a great deal of time over the past several days watching the Olympic Games. I always enjoy watching the athletes from all over the world give it their all for Olympic Gold. There have been some wonderful moments for our US athletes and of course amazing feats completed by athletes from other places also. My favorite moment of these games, so far, came when Michael Phelps won his record setting Eighth Gold Medal in the men's 4X100 medley last night.

All I can say is that Michael is an amazing athlete and a class act. He makes me proud to be an American. I was so impressed after the medal ceremony last night as I watched Michael. The media from all over the world were trying to get pictures and comments from the greatest Olympic Athlete of all time. However, Michael had another mission in mind. There would be time for interviews and pictures later. There was something more important for Michael than media attention at that moment.

I was impressed as I watched Michael shake his head "no" to the press and then walk directly through all the cameras and up the bleachers to greet his mother and his sisters. He had flowers to give to them. He knew all the other stuff could wait - he had a mother to hug. I was extremely proud to be an American as I watched his race, his medal ceremony, and his attending to his mother.

Michael Phelps - truly an American Hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Michael!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck - Team USA

As I sit here in my easy chair watching the broadcast of the Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympiad - I am well aware that the games have already begun. Even these Opening Ceremonies were practically over when I arrived at work this morning. No matter - my purpose here is not to comment on the games starting time or when things are being broadcast by NBC here in the USA. Rather my purpose in this blog post is very simple - I wish to wish all of the athletes competing in these games good luck.

That being said - I wish to especially wish each and every member of TEAM USA - Good luck. Go out there and make the homeland proud!!!!! God Bless America!