Hey everyone,
I haven’t just done a rambling Sleepy Nights post in quite a while, and what better time to write to the Internet than while watching the Olympics?!
I must confess that for no reason at all, I am head over heels with the Olympics. I can’t really explain it either. I’ve played various sports throughout my life (some much better than others if I’m being totally frank), but there is something about watching these beautifully strong, astoundingly healthy people glide through the water and soar through the air. It’s all just inspiring for me. To be fair, I take my health seriously (especially the last couple months, but maybe I’ll post more on that later), but I’m really far (light years actually) away from being an Olympian.
I suppose I just see these athletes (most of whom are around my age) as pinnacles of human fitness and beacons of what’s possible with hard work. I mean, just look at Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Kerri Walsh Jennings, or Simone Biles for some inspiration!
But I also just feel lazy and useless! I mean, I’m 19, and there are competitors younger than me with gold medals. Like, what the hell am I doing with my life? Sure, I went to the gym and the grocery store today, but other than that, I sat around reading, tried to re-figure out how to do sock buns (Hello 2011? Is that you?), colored in my favorite adult coloring book, and fed myself. Wow! What accomplishments! (insert sarcastic applause here.)
The other thing I actually really love about the Olympics is the community and unity that it creates around the world. Sure, the Russian doping scandals and concerns about Rio (ethical and otherwise) being the location detract from it slightly, but it’s pretty damn wonderful, and frankly amazing, that all of these countries with separate cultures, languages, beliefs, and lifestyles can come together and participate in good ol’ fashioned sports.
Another thing that I can only just now begin to appreciate is that my university (UC Berkeley – you can read more about that here) sent 50 athletes to Rio this year! I feel the Golden Bear pride something fierce! I just get kind of excited realizing that I will might get to meet these people (um… guys? Missy Franklin!).
Also, I really need to stop screaming at the TV during the Games because I’m fairly certain that my neighbors are going to sue me.
The Games are on,
Gwyn
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