Sports Summary - Our Perspective

I can sum it up in three letters - WOW! We started out at the outdoor volleyball arena watching the semifinals in men's doubles. It was a cool way to start, and both sets were close, but the biggest impact on us was when we walked down to our seats at the Bird's Nest that evening and stepped into the middle of the Olympic experience. Right in front of us, runners, pole vaulters, and hammer throwers were making history. We saw the Jamaican blast out in front in the 200M just 50 feet in front of us!

Day two started with 10M diving which is about 5M too high for most mortals. In person, that is one high jump! One mistake and splat - like a bug on a windshield. Again, we were seated close enough to feel the pain. We closed the day at the women's final softball game. It was particularly meaningful knowing that it would be the last time softball would be played at the Olympics - only better if we had won.

Our final day of events started with some real neat interactions with the Chinese fans. First, Rebecca and Nathan were swarmed by families wanting to get their child's (singular) photo with two kids who looked alike and were American. They were real surprised to learn that there were two more just like them back home (Caleb & Noah). I had a neat opportunity to get to know a precious little girl who made my day. Not only that, but it appeared to warm the hearts of many locals that a man would take the time to recognize a girl who likely gets overlooked a lot.

We finished the day watching the Redeem Team win their semifinal game. This was clearly one of Rebecca's & Nathan's favorite events. Also, Nathan, Rebecca, and I got on the overhead screen waving our big USA flag. That was our latest night to date, so fatigue was evident on everyone in our party of 30.

I had hoped initially to blog about sports while in Beijing, but timing and computer access and a detour down the food court made that too difficult. I hope you enjoyed the detour.

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