Final Olympic Thoughts

So as we say goodbye to the Summer Olympics, I would like to comment on some of the fantastic performances and moments.  I was thoroughly impressed by the USA Mens Volleyball team.  To have a tragedy strike the heart of the team and to come out on top of the world is quite an achievement.  I think we have been desensitized by Hollywood and expect things like this to happen.  But try putting yourself in Hugh McCutcheon shoes and what he and his family endured during the two weeks of the Olympics.  It is quite the story and actually one that will have many mixed emotions for the team and their coach.  Another accomplishment was the Silver Medal in both Mens and Womens Water polo.  Unfortunately the silver medalists in team sports lose their last game whereas the bronze medalists have to win theirs.  I think if you would have asked the men and women on those teams if they would have a chance to win a gold medal most would have taken that in a heartbeat.  Sometimes being an underdog and not getting the gold is what happens and I bet each member of the mens and womens water polo team is very proud of their achievement.

Another great team accomplishment has to go to both the mens and womens basketball teams.  Now I know what most people will say, “they are supposed to win” and you know what I can’t really disagree too much with that statement.  You have the best basketball players on the planet you “should” be able to win.  I emphasize the should because those teams have to deal with pressure, speculation, and expectations that no one else has to deal with.  Putting that together in a team environment can be very difficult so the coaches need to get as much of the accolaids.  Something else for you to ponder, can you imagine being a player on Spain’s team having to guard Kobe Bryant?  I am sure most of them idolize the guy and are happy to just get a picture with him, but to have to compete takes a whole lot of courage and should be admired.

So in my Olympic Thoughts closing, I would like to thank all the men and women who had competed in the games and represented our country.  The USA won 110 Medals, and 8 of those went to Michael Phelps.  That means that out of our 300 some athletes less then a third came home with a medal.  There are a lot of our athletes who made great efforts and might have been a few seconds, points, or goals shy of a medal. So if you happen to see or meet someone who got the chance to go to Beijing and represent you and me, tell them thanks and great job, I am sure that would mean a lot to them.