Of The Olympics

I have to say it, I love the Olympic Games. I love the idea of humans pushing themselves to be faster, better, stronger. I love achievement and human endeavour.Like a billion others around the globe (including Palmerston North), I tuned in to watch the Opening Ceremony.Like a billion others, I thought to myself, there is a better than even chance that this is going to be crap.It wasn’t.In fact, to my mind, it was the opposite. I thought it was a spectacle. I was amazed at the engineering problems and logistics that had been conquered. The technology was breathtaking.From the introductory video through to the rising, smoking chimney stacks. Amazed.And then being able to introduce classic British humour. Mr Bean. James Bond escorting the Queen.The soundtrack of a nation playing throughout. Absolutely brilliant.My West Country blood started to rise. A bubbling sense of pride. Curious, really!So the next fortnight I’ll be a sporting couch-potato.I’m loving seeing sports I don’t see often. Shooting. Fencing. Womens Beach Volleyball (for the athleticism of course). Artistic Gymnastics (I’ve recorded this so I can watch it with my 6 yr old daughter). So many others.Yes there are sports I think don’t have a place at the Olympics. But they’re there for a reason. So I celebrate them.And like a billion others, I’m trying to work out what sport I can learn and master in 4 years. And compete in at the youthful age of 47.I hope you’re enjoying this event as much as I am!- S