With the many stories coming out of this year’s Olympics, I am finding it really hard to write about much else. With Michael being an 18K gold winner, the humility of gold winner,Bolt, who not only asked to exchange numbers with Oscar Pistorius, but also interrupted an interview to show respect for Sonya Ross-Richards as they National Anthem played for her gold, and so many more HUMAN moments, the 2012 London Olympics continues to touch my heart, every day. Of course, it’s fun to watch Pilates loving Misty May-Treanor (having trained right here in Coral Springs) and Kerri Walsh compete in the game of volleyball, the game they basically own! They are just 2 victories away from winning their third straight gold medal and “my money” is definitely on them. And can you imagine training your entire life, under the toughest of circumstances for a 12 second chance at the coveted prize? Beautiful Lolo Jones will do exactly that. Having grown up on food stamps, government cheese and often homeless, with her siblings and her single mom, this girl NEVER gave up on her dream of becoming an Olympic hurdler. Today she will go to the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles and my fingers and toes are crossed for her. This morning she shared her recipe for success, in the form of a smoothie she drinks post workout. Funny thing, no secret ingredient. She throws some berries, a banana, a handful of spinach and some protein in a blender. I don’t remember what liquid she used, but it definitely wasn’t anything special. And speaking of special, the morning news also did a spot on the kinesiology tape that most every athlete wears (no, it’s not some kind of fashion statement) and according to many renowned orthopedic physicians, the jury is still out as to whether or not the effects of the tape are actually placebo. The doctors agree there is no harm in wearing it, and admit that a placebo effect is better than no effect…Some people love bells and whistles. Personally, I am not one of them.
These summer games have inspired me on both a fitness level and on the level of being a human being. During my run, yesterday, I replayed the interactions between Bolt and Pistorius in my mind and I no longer felt the midday heat and was simply grateful for my legs that can move, one after the other. Each time I hit the pool, I remain inspired by Dara Torres. Though she didn’t make it all the way to London, she did a hell of a job trying to get there, at least twice as old as many of her fellow competitors.
It seems to me, all of us watching these games will walk away just a
little bit better HUMANS than before the games began. Lolo, you won’t be able to hear me, but I’ll be cheering you on. Gabby, though last night wasn’t your night, it’s a new day! Go get em girls!
Your site was the first in search for my keywords and it totally deserves the first place! Thanks for your work and I wish you success!