Ode to the Olympics …

As my daughter said to me when we were discussing why Snoop Dog was mascot for the Paris games, “It’s what we needed right now.” I never thought of it that way … but all I know is it was fun to watch (especially in his equestrian outfit with Martha Stewart)! Yes the Olympics were definitely a bright light in this house!

With the incredible display of physical and mental prowess we witnessed during the games, along with the accompanying drama of heartbreak (Jordan Chiles), excitement, and inspiration, not to mention the introduction of new events (like breakdancing, which was a first for me!), I became completely engrossed in it!

Two athletes I loved watching were Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, along with Women's Gymnastics, which pulled me in when I was probably 5 years old in the 1972 Olympics and Olga Korbut. Remembering the superstars who inspired you as a child makes you realize the impact current athletes are having on our younger generation.

One aspect of Stephen Nedoroscik’s story that truly impressed me was the revelation that he has visual impairments (specifically, two eye conditions known as strabismus and coloboma), yet he managed to excel and secure a Bronze medal both individually and as part of the team at such a competitive level, a fact I only discovered after their victory.

Watching my fascination with Ilona Maher was entertaining, but more significantly, I believe she excels at empowering women of every generation by demonstrating that it is possible to be powerful and extraordinary as a woman... while also being BEAUTIFUL! Can you believe they labeled her as overweight in school simply because her BMI was 29?

After the event has ended, I am genuinely excited about the upcoming ParaOlympics at the end of this month. I am certain it will be incredibly inspirational! If you require some motivation to start being active, maybe that will be the push you need!

Hope you found some joy in the games during this turbulent time in the world …

“Never put an age limit on your dream.”

~Dara Torres, four time Olympic Champion, swimming