2012 Summer Olympics Preview

Can you believe it? The Olympics start tomorrow.

I'm just a little excited. To be more exact, I'm so excited it's hard to get any actual work done at the office. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the pictures, articles, reports and Tweets. (I am getting things done by the way, even if I take a few more breaks.)

To temper some of my anticipation, I decided to write down a few of the things I'm most looking forward to watching over the next couple weeks. Most of these are gymnastics related, but I know I'll enjoy watching the other sports as well.

• Opening ceremony: I love the pageantry of the opening ceremonies, and I'm sure the British will put on a good show. I've already heard that Paul McCartney will be performing Hey Jude.
• Women's gymnastics team final: I am really excited to see how our American girls perform next week. It's been sixteen years since the Magnificent 7, and I think it's time for another American team to win. The Russian team has been doing very well at training in London, so it won't be an easy victory. And you can never count out the Romanians and Chinese.
• Women's all-around final: It's been interesting to see the media make this a Jordyn Wieber vs. Gabby Douglas battle. (Playing off the one-two finish of Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson four years ago, I guess.) I think both of them could do well in the competition, but the Russians have two strong competitors in Aliya Mustafina and Viktoria Komova. Aly Raisman could also take one of the two American spots.
• Women's event finals: Vault is usually my least favorite event, but I'm looking forward to it this year because of McKayla Maroney. She is by far the best vaulter in the world, as long as her toe holds up over the next few days. (I also think it's neat that the Duchess of Cambridge will be there to watch the vault finals.) I don't have any particular favorites in the other events, but I'm sure I'll enjoy watching them.
• Swimming: Like most Americans, I'm pulling for Michael Phelps to win the most Olympic medals in history. (And I love that his quest is bringing attention to this lady.)
• Longhorns in London: Making Bevo proud all the way in jolly old England! How do you think the rest of the football team will react if Marquise Goodwin wins an Olympic medal?
• Everything else: The Olympics always tend to give me goosebumps at some point. I'm sure I'll be glued to the TV (and computer) for every moment.

Only a few more hours to go!

May the odds be ever in your favor! (whoops, wrong games)