I remember the Olympics being a big deal when I was little. My dad, also a sports person, even taped some of the events back in the days of VHS. Why do I love them, you ask? There are a few reasons - I think it is amazing to see the athletes that have been so devoted and dedicated that they train day in and day out year after year just for their shot to be the best in the world. You see athletes that play for the love of their sport, not for the love of money. I think in general, you tend to see more sportsmanship in that setting as well.
I don't think any other sporting event effects me quite like the Olympics do. I will watch events that I have no interest in whatsoever and then get hooked by the story (yes, NBC, you appeal to the sucker in me). But, there are two Olympic moments that will stick with me forever. I remember seeing both and just being blown away by the courage of the athletes. The first was in the 1996 Atlanta games when Kerri Strug nailed her second vault on one leg because of the torn up ankle. Everyone remembers that one, right?
100 meters left, his dad runs down from the stands and brushes past security, puts his arm around him, and finishes the race with him. I challenge you not to tear up when you see that footage - YouTube it!
