Olympic Glory

It's difficult not to marvel at the sheer athleticism displayed at the Olympics. As the games wind down, so does the brute force of natural human vigour. While the Olympics are always marred in some kind of controversy - from doping to corruption - I've always found the spirit of the awe-inspiring.

These are people with dreams. Lifelong determination to achieve some sort of physical greatness. At the risk of sounding hokey or like a cliched Coke commercial, their accomplishments are those of the entire human race; tell-tale signs of our ever-evolving abilities.

Swimming takes lungs, and just about every muscle in your body. Weightlifting involves years of specific muscle training and excruciating limb stress. And success on the track depends greatly on discipline and drive. Fencing requires...uh...good stabbing.

So thank you, Olympians, for another two weeks of quality television viewing. I commend your abilities and your accomplishments. You provided me with plenty of small-talk fodder at work, and a few minor fits of jealousy. Your chiselled physiques are beyond admirable. I missed the boat on athletic dominance many years ago, so this weekend, I will crack a beer in your honour.

Someday, when I get to Athens, it won't be on javelins or cleats. It won't be fueled by glory or precious metals. My Greek desire is driven entirely by souvlaki and ouzo.

Posted by waub at August 27, 2004 09:04 PM