Don't Blink
08/10/08 11:26 AM
| SpurtsOlympians, olympians, olympians!
Being a human, I am always inspired by exhibitions of human greatness. Always captivated watching the greatest athletes in the world competing in the worlds greatest venue. Politics and geography aside I am amazed at the limits of human endurance and performances and determination and perseverance of those who would push those limits. They are all heros, role models and inspirations.
You may have guessed. I have been watching my fair share of the games, staying up until midnight or later each night.
My stomach muscles are still sore from clinching and holding during the men's gymnastics segments. The Chinese on the rings were scary, precise and intimidating. USA men's team Alexander 'Sasha' Artemev gave an absolutely amazing pommel horse demonstration with the fastest widest flare of the legs I saw during any of the early competition, the USA team has to finish in the top eight to compete in the medals rounds, the Chinese, Japanese and Russian teams are the dominate teams and are 1-2-3 in that order after day one mens gymnastic competition.
There are a few Hoosiers in the games, including Mariel Zagunis, Notre Dame student and now two time Olympic Gold Medalist in Fencings "Sabre" competition. Getting most of Indiana's attention are two competitors on the Women's Gymnastic team, Brigit Sloan and Sam Peszek. Sam competed in only one even after sustaining an injury to one of her legs and did an exceptional job.
Again last night I was up until well after midnight watching. Like so many I was up and pumping my fist in the air along with Michael Phelps when the USA Men's swimming team took the 4x100 IM relay at the wall with a fingertip touch by Jason Lesak beating the French team and anchor swimmer Alain Bernard by 8/100ths of a second to take the Gold. Then there is Dara Torres, the oldest Olympic swimmer ever to win a medal with a Silver in her first event and more to come. Natalie Coughlin and so many others.
Off to work with my sleepy self and sleepy wife, go team USA!
Chuck Pace ©2008