Olympic Fever at the Selvitella House!

I just love the Olympics, I honestly do.  I don’t love being exhausted each and every morning because I’ve stayed up until midnight watching them, but I love ‘em!!!  I love the passion and determination of the athletes, the coaches, heck even the commentators.  That 400M swim relay, are you kidding me???  I love the water, even though swimming was never my sport, I could watch it all day.  Of course there is the Michael Phelps factor.  How many of you get as giddy as I do when he smiles that adorable smile?  Honestly though, I love watching all of the swimming, he has just brought more of a heightened awareness to the sport.  I will also say, anyone looking at a sport that can turn your body into a literal temple, this could be your silver bullet.  Do you know Michael Phelps eats 10,000 calories a day??  Yes, 10,000 and he is still lean.  Keep in mind, his average work out burns 4000 calories, but still.  Wow. 

How about the women’s gymnastics last night?  Taking the Gold and the Silver for the 1st time, ever!  So exciting.  Did you catch Bela Karoli with Bob Costas?  I think he almost knocked poor Bob off of his chair.  Or the beach volley ball with Kerry Walsh and Misty May-Treanor.  Any woman who can play a sport that requires her to run, jump and dive in the sand, all the while wearing a very skimpy bikini and still look amazing, has my utmost respect.  I even watched cycling the other night and saw an amazing American woman who struggled to make the team win the Gold.  When she hugged her husband or boyfriend at the end and broke down, I sobbed like a baby right along with her.

I would be truly remiss if I did not mention the opening ceremonies.  If you did not see this, no one will ever be able to explain to you how truly amazing and spectacular it was.  I watched it with my 3 children ages 8, 5 and 3.  I honestly did not think they would sit still for the entire spectacle as it was long.  Even the 3 year old sat transfixed.  I still cannot believe it was all done by actual people.  Truly one of the most incredible opening ceremonies I have ever seen.  I wish I could have seen it live.

So, for me I am saving the best for last.  The sport that gets all of my attention, heart, soul, tears, elation……the Women’s US Olympic Soccer team!  I am literally chomping at the bit for the 1st game.  As many of you know, soccer is a passion of mine both as a coach and as a player.  If I think I am exhausted now, it will only get worse once this starts.  I know with the new age of DVR’s I can record anything and everything, but there is something about watching it live that cannot be captured on a recording.  Plus, inevitably, whenever I tape something, a friend, a family member, or a newscaster, blows it for me and then I won’t even watch the recording.

So, here is my little suggestion for the weekend.  Grab a bowl of popcorn, grab some family member, and cuddle up to watch the Olympic Games.  Imagine what it would feel like to have that medal placed around your neck, or how those moms and dads feel seeing their children accomplish such unbelievable feats and enjoy the passion.  Who knows, it may even motivate you to get outside and try a new sport!

Cheers and have wonderful weekend!