Always out here, looking for . . .
. . . and sometimes I find it in the most unexpected places!
Can we talk about the Olympics for a minute? I loved the Olympics when I was a kid . . . the sheer spectacle of it all! I loved the sports and the competition and the medals and the stories. But . . . over the years, it all just kind of lost its luster for me. It seemed overly-hyped and made-for-TV, and while I paid a little attention to some things, it just didn’t bring me the same kind of joy it did when I was a kid.
So I didn’t really expect . . . what’s happened this year.
Because I am finding joy and energy – and, yes, even a little hopeful feeling – in the Olympics.
I think this little meme I saw on Instagram says it best . . .
Because the stories of this Olympics . . . ARE giving me energy. And joy and hope. And I am here for it!
A feeling of hope.
From Snoop Dogg and Pommel Horse Guy (among others).
Who knew???
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! The men’s 10k final had me in tears it was so exciting. It’s been a while since I’ve yelled at the television. 🙂
Like you, I had given up on watching olympics on tv in the past. The coverage focused more on the drama & negatives rather than the competition. But, yes….this year is different. It’s been fun to watch the coverage this year, for all the reasons stated in the post you shared.
The Ukrainian saber fencing team who won gold. I was overflowing with hope (and tears!) I could not agree more about the Olympics this year.
I was a bit disgruntled when I read an article about a participant “struggling to achieve even a bronze medal”; I think anyone who makes it to the Olympics should be celebrated! But I had misty eyes when I saw Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin helping each other to the finish of the 5,000 m heat after an accidental collision. They were both given a place in the final and I don’t even care who won. Grace and good sportsmanship are giving me hope.
I totally agree with you. I had been disillusioned with the Olympics over the years. This year feels different. To see the female gymnasts hugging competitors from other countries and congratulating them was awesome to see. The pregnant athlete compete was unbelievable. We have been cheering and yelling for so many track and field events – no matter who it is. I am especially enamored with Ilona Maher, US rugby team. While I have been disgusted with internet trolls who have given her a hard time about her weight, her response has been awesome. It is wonderful to hear her message that every BODY can be an athlete. As a grandmother of 5 granddaughters, I think it is wonderful to have strong female athletes to look up to. To see Ilona so confident in her skin can be a lesson to even adults like me who struggle with body image.
I’ve only seen bits and pieces here and there, but what I’ve seen seems so much better than prior years.
I have always enjoyed watching the Olympics, both winter and summer. I’m always amazed at the talent of the athletes who work so hard for years to earn a spot in this pinnacle of sports competition. I love watching some of the less popular sports like kayaking, table tennis, and badminton just to see the level of expertise.
Yes!! It’s been busy around here, so I haven’t tuned in the past few days, but what I’ve seen/heard has been so inspiring… and hopeful.
I’m glad you are enjoying it! I think having more content available is a good thing. I’m still annoyed with the non-amateur-ness of many American teams (and I have a beloved former student playing on the basketball team!) but I’m loving all the celebrations of non-mainstream sports!
Hes! The Olympic messaging does feel different this time around! Who knew Snoop Dogg and Flava Fave would be featured good guys.
I’m glad there is more coverage available and that the real time commentaries are more balanced than that in highlights show each night. Lots of great human stories that others have already mentioned. It’s also fun to see second generation athletes like Trinity Rodman out there playing their sports too. I’m here for it all.
I always get such a boost from the Olympics, and I am really loving the Snoop energy this year. Have you seen the Stephen Nedoroscik meme that says “This Ken’s job is horse”?
YES! The Olympics have been fantastic this year, and I’m not sure if it’s because life in general started looking better a few weeks back, and I decided I don’t care. I’m here for ALL of it! Also, I’m now a big fan of Peacock.
I’m loving the Olympics this year and generally do every year. I think it helps that the Paris time isn’t so far off from us and we can watch some events live. I got a HUGE kick out of watching Snoop and Martha Stewart talk about dressage last night. Who ever would have thought of putting those two together?! It’s also nice to feel proud of the USA about something for a change.
Yes! This Olympics feels different. I love that the women gymnasts are older and bigger and more muscle-ly. I also love that they are smiling and don’t look so stressed. My daughter competed in gymnastics so we’ve been talking about the differences.
Oh gosh we’ve had the Olympics on for hours every day and night and still I missed the pregnant fencer and Martha Stewart’s dressage thing. And I love table tennis. Maybe they’ll be on Youtube. (We only do one or two streamers a year – enough is enough). Loved the Steve with Glasses suspense, though. That segment was worth a 15 minute show of its own. And my favorite Olympic years were the Bob Costa “..the triumph of victory, the agony of defeat” years. But this year, I agree, is one of the best. And glimpses of Paris doesn’t hurt either:).