One of my favorite events starts at the end of July. When I was growing up I got lost in the event. In the original form, they occurred once every four years. There was a winter Olympics and a summer Olympics. The highest form of pride was to represent your country as an athlete. Last night was the end of the United States Olympic trials. It is sometimes more difficult to make the US team than to compete at the Olympics.
The original ancient Olympics were held in Greece from the 8th century BC to tha 4th century AD. Then in 1894 an International Olympic Committee was established. Two years later the first modern games were held in Greece.
The modern Olympics are held every two years alternating summer and winter games. One of the big honors is to be chosen as a city to host the Olympics. Cities put on massive presentations to achieve the role as host.
Some 200 countries participate in the games. There are over 14,000 athletes in some 450 events in over 40 sports.
The opening event is held in s city and country demonstrating who they are to the world. There are triumphs and heartbreaks for the athletes over and over again. The athletes have focused for years for one event, one race. We get to see the play of faith, of missed opportunities and of more.
've known some Olympic participants. One was a figure skater I went to high school with. His name was John Misha Petkovich and for a period of time he was one of the best skaters in the world. I only hung out with him once or twice. His schedule started each day with training at 5 AM for four hours. Then off to school until at 3 PM it was back for four hours more of training. He was on a strict diet and there were a number of things he could not do. His life was fully planned out.
In the end he won the 1971 World Championships and placed 4th and 5th in back-to-back Olympics. It pointed out to me the dedication it takes to be one of the best in your event.
So starting the end of July, I will be watching as much of the Olympics as possible. I will be filled with national pride and in awe of the athletes. I will be watching the awimming and the diving events. Then I will follow all the track and field events. I will learn of new heroes and heroines. I love this because it is one of the wonderful ways we come closer together and connect. The opening and closing ceremonies point out that whatever country we are from we are all part of one huge family. We've been plopped down on a small planet in a galaxy in the corner of a minor universe. But don't overthink all that - watch the Olympics and root for your country!
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