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)

American Cup

Last Saturday I drove out to Worcester (Woo-stah or Wi-stah if you're local) to attend the American Cup, an international gymnastics competition held each year. I've watched the competition on TV for years, but this was my first time to go to it live. It was an easy drive out to Worcester and a beautiful day as temperatures climbed into the 50s. I didn't even have to wear a jacket. If only all spring days could be like this . . .

The competition included both the men's and women's all around. I realized a few days before that I knew very little about any of the competitors besides Rebecca Bross, Jonathan Horton, and Fabian Hambüchen of Germany. However, it was still exciting to see world-class gymnasts performing right in front of me. The men's events were especially impressive since I had never seen them before. I was in awe as they performed on the still rings and pommel horse. Those guys have to be the strongest athletes per ounce — I can't imagine a football player being able to do some of the things gymnasts can do. It was nice to see Rebecca Bross win with Alexandra Raisman of Needham, MA, finishing second. Maxim Devyatovsky of Russia (with his New Kids on the Block ponytail) won the men's title.

I had only one big issue with the event: lots of screaming little girls. Pardon me as I step up on my soap box. I appreciate that USA Gymnastics is trying to bring in young fans and get them excited about attending gymnastics events. I think they do a great job with that and believe that U.S. Figure Skating could learn a lot from what they are doing. However, these girls need to understand that it is not appropriate to scream for another person (JOHNNY!) while a gymnast is performing. (And the mothers need to stop egging them on and teaching them how to scream louder. You learn manners at home!) It's perfectly fine to scream during the short breaks between events or when the crowd is doing the wave (even if I still will exercise my right to cover my ears). Just please respect these athletes who are doing amazing things and could hurt themselves if they lose concentration. And please respect the other spectators who also paid to enjoy the event. Stepping off soap box now.

The competition ended around 3 p.m. so I drove over to the shopping center in Millbury. I ate a late lunch/early dinner at T.G.I. Friday's and then looked around a few of the stores. I headed home soon after that. I'm so excited for the warmer weather and longer days; hopefully I'll be able to get out on day trips a little more now.