Are you watching the Tokyo Olympics? Are you enjoying them? I am, though I do think it's a bit disjointed due to the Covid and low(er) participation from all the countries, or so it seems. I love the unexpected; winners of gold medals that gives the crowd, as little as they are, a golden moment in time. World records are even better, and frankly unbelievable!
I was lucky enough to attend the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles after graduating college a month before I left. I went with three other girls (a pair of sisters and my hometown friend, Mary). We drove across the United States, taking the southern route out, and the northern route back. It was all very exciting! It was my first trek driving across the US and visiting many states out and back. I think we were gone almost 4 weeks.
We bought Olympic tickets a year or so in advance. When others decided not to make the trek from Ohio, the four of us were given a lot of tickets for a lot of events. It is one of the highlights of my life to see Olympic glory! If my memory serves me correctly, this is what I remember: swimming and diving (at USC outdoor pools); soccer at the Rose Bowl; the first women's Olympic Marathon on the streets of LA - won by Joan Benoit; Equestrian at the Santa Anita horse track; and a lot of Track and Field at Los Angeles Coliseum. I was amazed at sitting in the front row (another story) while watching Carl Lewis win gold in the 100m dash and others win gold, silver and bronze. I think I even witnessed Olympic records shattered, if not a couple of World Record performances. Awestruck every day/every event that I attended.
A funny story while the four of us were headed toward the Olympic Village one evening. Fans were allowed to go anywhere at that time. We met people from all over the world, competitors and fans alike. One day on the green at UCLA, we were headed toward the dormitories. Lionel Ritchie was performing in the dorms but ended up being at the wrong one and had to run to another dorm across campus. As we were walking, he came running toward us and about knocked me over. I screamed what the heck are you doing?? He shouted back over his shoulder that he was late to sing at another dorm. My brush with fame...Ha!
While watching the games now and seeing the empty seats in the stadiums and arenas, it truly saddens me. Except for the coaches and trainers and those working the entrances and exits of the venues, the athletes seem to have very little support. It's practically silent at some of the venues. Of course, it's not what anyone wanted, but the need to keep most, if not all, athletes safe gets top billing in addition to medals being won all over Tokyo.
Go USA! We are all rooting you on from home!
BSoleille!
Terri
Photo: Souvenir Program of 1984 in Los Angeles, California
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