At times during the Olympic coverage, I found myself yearning for Mary Poppins. When NBC aired stories of past Olympics, no matter how touching, I wondered if Voldemort had somehow cancelled the events of the day. But still, there were moments.
Andy Murray won a big tennis match. Usain Bolt provided a new understanding of a double double.
World records fell. Amazing performances took place again and again. But, as always, the moments that moved me, touched me, tugged at my heart and brought a tear to my eye had as much to do with the human spirit and grace and dignity and courage than they did with winning and losing. And I realized again why every two years either winter or summer I watch as much as I can, whatever I may think of the coverage. What I will take from London (and more may come as the games wind down) are:
- Kirani James exchanging his name card with Oscar Pistorius at the end of the race
- Guor Marial proclaiming that his presence is the flag of South Sudan
- Amina El Sergany officiating beach volleyball
- Matthew Mitcham and others gays and lesbians who participated
- Im Dong Hyun setting the first world record
- Pandelela Rinong Malaysia’s first female medal winner
- Liu Xiang hobbling to the finish line and kissing a hurdle where the other racers greeted him as a winner
- Paula Findley refusing to quit the triathalon
- Manteo Mitchell continuing to run despite a broken leg
- Carmelita Jeter‘s exuberance as she brought the relay team home in record time
Each moment a memory to hold, an affirmation of why the world gathers, and a reminder of what could be.
See you along the Trail.
Along the Graybeard Trail 