From Beijing to London, it’s Olympics time

- Megan Filipowski

Four years ago, I was glued to the television with my family at all hours of the night to watch athletes from across the world compete in the Olympics in Beijing. This summer we were yet again blessed with such an opportunity.

As the end of July 2012 approached, I waited with bated breath for the XXX Olympiad to begin. I traveled home to spend the weekend with my mom and tune into the Opening Ceremonies and the first events of the games. 

And an exciting Olympics they were. There were many memorable moments over the two weeks. Some of them included watching Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian, seeing Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings three-peat as gold medalists in beach volleyball and a double amputee compete for the first time.

It was by far two of the most exciting weeks of my life. Knowing there were 204 nations participating in athletic events that are known all across the globe is fascinating. Being able to sit in front of the television and know that someone from another continent is tuning in and seeing the same things that I am is amazing beyond words.

These two weeks, whether people realize it or not, bring the world together. We focus on watching our athletes compete against each other instead of all the commotion from wars and battles with one another.

We get the opportunity to hear inspirational stories and watch as athletes stand proudly for their countries. Women from Middle Eastern countries were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time in the history of the modern games. Some countries won gold medals for the first time. It is times like these that make me proud to be a sports fan.

As I watched the Closing Ceremonies, two weeks after I tuned in to watch the initial festivities, I realized how sad I was that they were coming to an end. It would be four more years until I could experience these emotions again. Four more years before I could sit in front of the television with my family and cheer on the United States.

And I will be waiting very impatiently for the 2016 Games in Rio.

[WRITER’S NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EDITION OF “THE PULSE”