We are only five days in (at least of this writing), and already the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have given us moments that will be etched in our collective sports memories.
Things that stand out so far?….and there are many more to come no doubt.
The reaction of the USA men’s gymnastics team when they won the bronze medal in the team compeition—the first for US Men’s medal in 16 years. Oh, the sheer joy, the absolute thrill and excitement seen in their faces.
The hugs they gave each other in the post celebration and that unadulterated joy was pure tonic for a now troubled world caught up in so much wars and politics.
THIS is what the Olympics can do.
How about…
The last second rugby touchdown run by Alex Sedrick that gave the United States sudden victory and then the ensuing celebration of the players after they had snatched victory from the sure hands of defeat. Chilling. And not to be forgotten, the intense emotional dejection and reaction of the Australian team—who had victory well in hand before the last second heroics by the USA.
The Olympic Games, proving once again they are truly the very depiction of the phrase “the agony and the ecstasy”
How about…
American swimmer Tori Huske’s reaction after winning the gold medal in swimming. Her combination of shock, disbelief and joy—all captured beautifully by the TV cameras, was a moment that grabbed and shaked us.
Katie Ledecky swimming the 1500 meter race like an absolute machine. Her cardiovascular system obviously off the charts good, and probably worthy of being studied by scientists.
Lap by lap, stroke by stroke Ledecky just methodically grinded away—never slowing down in this grueling test of endurance, while capturing yet another gold medal. The victory ensuring her legacy as the greatest American female swimmer ever.
A new Michael Phelps appearing? Leon Marchand from France has been the absolute star of the swimming venue so far. Winning gold in the 200 Breast Stroke, the two hundred butterfly, and the 400 IM Medley.
He may not be done yet. The 22 year old has been incredible thus far while capturing the sporting souls of not just the France fans but the rest of the world as well.
Then there was Simone Biles in gymnastics. Couple of thoughts here. One is the way she and closest competitor Rebecca Andrade from Brazil were able to laugh and support each other throughout the all-around competition.
They were neck and neck going for the gold and fighting all that pressure and tension but still showed a genuine mutual respect and love for each other—even as the competition was in it’s most heated moments. Without getting too emotional here, let it be that THAT is what the Olympic Games are all about.
My second Simone Biles comment? Did you see the replay in slow motion of her floor exercise? The height and explosion she gets to lift into the air and then do her flips and turns is nothing short of amazing.
To watch it in slow motion is to really appreciate the power of it all. You keep thinking she is jumping off some kind of trampoline type device, but those jumps, that height she gets? All from her own natural (or supernatural) body mechanics.
Much more to come... But so far, from the opening ceremonies down the Seine River to the last jump by Simone Biles, it has been nothing short of riveting.
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