For the Love of Country...& Sport

By Christine Insinga

 

   Day in and day out our soldiers continue to fight.  They do it for their love of country & what it stands for. It is a time of devastating news headlines even beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan- ie.Casualties Mount as Russia/Georgia Conflict Spreads- ABCNews...Bombing of Bus in Lebanon Kills 15- NYTimes. 

They all believe THEIRS is the right cause.

 

    Well, for the past week I've been...ok I'll say it...borderline obsessed with another group of people who are pouring all their energy onto a world stage for THEIR love of country...& sport.

 

 

 

 

Yes, I'm talking about the amazing athletes of the XXIX Olympiad!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Man!  Watching Michael Phelps in the water just does not get old. 

 

 

 

 

Even with his goggles full of water he makes setting world records look absolutely effortless.  The men's 4x100 relay!! If you didn't see it, you have to! 

 

  This coming from a women whose sports knowledge otherwise begins and ends with the Yankees. 

 

Then there's the US beach volleyball team--GO MISTY!!

 

And how 'bout China's men's gymnastics team?  Have you gotten a glimpse of those guys arm--geez!

 

 

 

 

 

    Aside from all of their amazing strength, skill and talent these men and women are gracious, poised, full of respect.  there is always a handshake- in the pool- on the floor- at the medals ceremony...a 'congratulations', a 'good race'.  Maybe it's all for the camera.  I know there's plenty of trash talk in the ready rooms- but the truth is I'm OK with what I see on TV:  extraordinary athletes in good, clean competition.

 

    I will continue to offer my prayers and thoughts to our soldiers overseas- as I do every day.  But for the next couple of weeks I will appreciate the luxury & freedom I have to turn the channel from the days disturbing headlines - for a while- and watch those wonderful games that come just once every four years as they fight for THEIR love of country...

 

 

 

 

                                                 & sport.