I love the Olympics—in a big way! I look forward to the Olympics—winter and summer—because the unity they bring to the world and to the USA. And during this particular election season, I was even more excited to avoid political news for two weeks.
Why do I love watching athletics so much? Because it unites entire groups of people. It has the ability to unify us in a way not much else can do. In a world becoming even more and more divisive, athletics offer us a reprieve. One of my favorite quotes from Nelson Mandella sums it up.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” –Nelson Mandela
Admittedly a summer person, I had a vested interest in this year’s Games because of my accomplishments since the last Olympics in London. Having trained for 70.3 triathlon and since dabbling in the world of racing, my perspective has changed. This summer, I signed up for track workouts—my first time ever running on a track with any purpose or goal. To have that small, tiny smidge of relation to what these athletes sacrifice and the time they put into their sport is humbling to me. I want them to succeed, and I love cheering them on from my living room in Tennessee. This Olympics did not disappoint. Full of heartbreaking moments and surprise wins, it’s hard to pick my favorites, but here are my Top 20 favorite moments from 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. I hope you enjoy reliving these moments and find encouragement to pursue your next goal.
- All of Kerri Walsh Jennings. I’ve been watching Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor since before they were hyphenated. Kerri came into the Games with a new partner, but everything she did exemplified the spirit of the Games. She always has positive words to say, she shook hands with everyone on the court, no matter their role and she was thrilled to win bronze in the Olympic Games. She’s an example to follow, and I love knowing a new generation was introduced to the her example of athleticism and sportsmanship.
- When USA swept the 100m hurdles. Dang, y’all! Look at the US owning track & field! I love seeing strong women using their powers for good.
- When I learned the two steeplechase US medalers shared a ponytail holder.
- When Kristen Armstrong won the TT and honored Mara with her win. Mara’s loss in the women’s road race was one of my least favorite moments of the Olympics. She lost in the final 200 meters after racing past a terrible accident that left every viewer in shock and fear. To lose a race like that in unimaginable, but yet she handled herself with grace in her post-race interview and then hugged her teammate, Kristen Armstrong, where both wept tears of what could’ve been. A few days later, Kristen Armstrong proved women can do it all and won her third consecutive medal in the women’s time trial. She dedicated it to Mara, who coincidentally, had been leaving her encouraging notes in the days between her loss and Kristen’s win. One of my favorite moments in bike racing, and especially this Olympics.
- When Fabian won on his way out. I love bike racing, and unfortunately, rarely get to watch it live on TV. Fabian is a legendary bike racer and announced his retirement earlier in the season. He pulled out of the Tour de France early to concentrate on Rio. He took the gold in the men’s time trial. Well done, sir, and congratulations on an impressive career.
- When our women’s gymnastics team showed what America looks like. Look at this beautiful image of exactly what our country looks like. A team of five women from different backgrounds and ethnicities, with different stories and histories. This group was one of my favorite images from the Games.
- When Phelps kissed his family. So much sacrifice goes into performing at this elite level, and to see that moment was stealing a glimpse into the family’s reality. It was a tender, sweet moment.
- When US divers gave glory to God. Hearing Steele Johnson and David Doudia tell the world their identity is in Christ and not their performance was a key reminder we all need to hear.
- When a fencer showed the world what diversity should look like. In a heightened political season
- When Rowdy Gaines said Katie Ledecky swims like Katie Ledecky
- When Phelps cried on the podium of his last medal
- When Singapore beat Phelps
- When my colleagues daughter won for Serbia
- When marathoning sisters won together and people got upset over it (oh stop)
- When USA finished >>> in the marathon
- When Gatlin got beat. (sorry, no room for dopers)
- When the men’s Brazil soccer team won on home turf in an amazing way and enjoyed the victory with their entire fandom.
- When a US runner stopped to help another country.
- When Jenny didn’t make it in London, but came back to win this year. Work, hard work.
- When Meb Keflezighi fell at the finish and did push-ups.
- When the US men’s volleyball team came back from two down to win three and take the bronze. In related news, my new Olympic crush from the 2016 Games is Matt Anderson. https://www.facebook.com/nbcolympics/videos/10154962147685329/
- Watching Matthew Centrowitz Jr.’ s family celebrate when Matt won gold.