I must say that I am a big fan of the Olympics. Some of you may remember that I had the honor of serving on the USA Joint Task that provided security for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. What a thrill to protect the great athletes that participated in those games. I remember watching the opening ceremonies in awe, even getting a little choked up as Mohammed Ali lit the torch. I also remember the pride I felt when Kerri Strug landed that now historic vault to clinch America’s gold medal. Only during the Olympics can people put aside political differences (for the most part) and stand together as one nation on the world stage.
I have many Olympic memories that will remain with me forever: who can forget “Do you believe in miracles!” My parents let me stay up late to watch that famous USA versus Russia hockey game during the Lake Placid games. Mary Lou Retton’s perfect 10, Carl Lewis’ domination in Los Angelas, what about “Wild Bill” of downhill skiing fame. Let’s face it, other than during the Olympics how many people watch team gymnastics or a swim meet? But…during the Olympics you set everything else aside to watch, don’t you?
Kimmer and I have been glued to the TV and internet always wondering the same thing, “What did I miss?” and “Are WE leading the medal count?” How wonderful, if you ask anyone how “we” are doing, they automatically know that you are asking about the good ole USA! Not Dallas or Detroit, Democrat or Republican, Yankee or Southerner. For a couple weeks every two years the Olympics brings us together as one, pushing all differences aside for a little while as we all collectively cheer for our athletes. Usually it takes a tremendous tragedy to do that!
I have to get back to the coverage now, see ya next week.
U S A…U S A…U S A!
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