Saturday, August 23, 2008

Olympic moment

While at my friends house in Oregon I was flipping through a book she had that was a "conversation starter". I found a couple of questions that I thought I would use to generate some comments and conversation on my blog. I thought it was very appropriate considering we just finished up the Summer Olympics. I've been alive for 9 Summer Olympics but am not really sure how many different years I remember. I do believe that for as long as I've been old enough to realize what the Olympics are that they've excited and fascinated me. I remember watching them diligently even while I was in school. The year that the Olympics were held in Los Angeles, my Grandparents brought us a ton of Olympic paraphernalia. Shirts, hats, binoculars and such. I'm a true fan of the Olympics. I would literally sit and watch for two whole weeks if I could. So this brings me around to my question.

What is the most awe-inspiring Olympic moment that you've seen during your lifetime?

For me it would have to be when Kerri Strug clinched the gold medal for the United States Women's gymnastics team in 1996 - sticking her landing on her second vault after seriously messing up her foot/ankle on her first vault. I remember watching and bawling my eyes out. It was a very memorable moment for me.

This year I was able to watch (non-stop) for the first weekend of the Olympics and then also a couple of days after that. Watching Michael Phelps win 8 gold medals was awesome and it makes me excited for athletes and events that we've yet to see. The girls watched with us some on that first weekend and I'm hoping that they will grow to love the Olympics as much as I do.

So . . . . What is the most awe-inspiring Olympic moment that you've seen during your lifetime?

4 comments:

Jane Anne said...

My first thought was Mary Lou Retton. She made such an impression on me that I was sure I was going to be a famous gymnast one day! Of course, my gymnastic lessons were fairly short-lived. (I really have never had any balance and little coordination.)

My 2nd thought was Keri Strug.

JTJones said...

My first thought is Paul Hamm's pommell horse routine to win the gold in Athens.
Of course Keri's vault was AMAZING!
Michael Phelps in the 4x100 relay and also his 7th gold in Beijing.
SLC figure skating when Michelle Qwan was suppose to win but the really young girl did. Her perforance was PERFECT, it was awesome.

Melissa Guay said...

Oh totally Kerri Strug - they showed that recently when we were watching the Olympics and I got all choked up - that was amazing. Michael Phelps of course too. And the May/Walsh final - I think all 4 of us teared up for that one!

Anonymous said...

I clap when they are over.)