I can’t remember when I’ve been so impressed with the outcome and success of the Olympics. I was most impressed with the Olympic spirit and feeling of support and unity that the Olympics are supposed to promote.
The media may play up the problems and the controversy, but if you can look past the few hiccups along the way, the Olympic Games were another testament to hard work, dedication, glory and sheer determination.
Olympic highlights:
Michael Phelps: Who can think of the 2012 London Olympics without commenting about Phelps, who is arguably the best Olympian of all time with 18 gold, two silver and two bronze medals? While some would say that Phelps had a slow start to his final Olympics, he was able to do something that no one else in the world has been able to do by winning 22 Olympic medals.
Usain Bolt: The world marvels over the fastest man on the planet and Bolt does not fail to deliver a good show when he runs. He was able to win both the 100 and 200 meter sprints and defend his title from the 2008 Summer Olympics. However, his lack of effort at the end of his 200 meter final leaves some people questioning why he did not finish at full speed and possibly beat the world record.
Oscar Pistorius: This man is a double amputee and ran with two prosthetic legs during the men’s 400 meter race. He did not advance to the finals, but he set the tone of inspiration and commitment. Pistorius will be back in a competing at the Paralympics, which start in a week. He is expected to defend his title in the 100, 200, and 400 meter race, as well as compete on the South African 4x100 relay team.
Gabby Douglas: What a strong competitor this 16-year-old girl is. She won the women’s all-round competition and helped the women’s gymnastics team win the gold medal by being the only member of the team to compete in all four events. She was nicknamed the Flying Squirrel because of her amazing ability to fly through the air.
Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor: Kerri and Misty have been playing together for 12 years and it was well-documented that London would be Misty’s last Olympics. The very emotional team concluded their partnership by winning their third consecutive gold medal and going down in history as the best beach volleyball team of all time.
Ashton Eaton: He can now be called the world’s greatest athlete after winning the men’s decathlon and bringing home gold for Team USA. His teammate Trey Hardee won the silver and gave the U.S. its first one-two decathlon medals since 1954.
