I have always loved the Olympics. My most memorable Olympic moments were the glorious gold for the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team and the fabulous 1984 U.S. Gymnastics Team (men's and women's)!
The 1980 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, NY (U.S.A.). "Miracle on Ice" is the nickname given to the medal round hockey game played on February 22, 1980 against the Soviet Union. The players were either college students or amateur players led by coach Herb Brooks. Herb had later coached NHL teams such as the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils. He was active in the hockey field as a scout until his death in 2006. This was the debut of future Washington Capitals player Dave Christian!
The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, CA (U.S.A.). I had the pleasure of seeing two Olympic Soccer games at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, MD. In Track, this is the year that Great Britain athlete Zola Budd tripped U.S.'s Mary Decker in the 300 Meter race, causing Mary to be injured and unable to continue. Zola was disqualified from the race and later reinstated after officials determined that the fall was not done 'on purpose'. The U.S. Gymnastics team absolutely rocked this year, pulling in 5 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals and 6 Bronze Medals, more than anyone else! 16 year-old Mary Lou Retton won the gold for the individual all-around, which had never been won by an American gymnast. And who can forget Mitch Gaylord, who invented the horizontal bar "Gaylord Flip" and "Gaylord II" which are still used by gymnasts today!
My Grandmother had gotten tickets for the U.S. Gymnastics Tour following the Olympics and it was very special to me. It was held at the former Capital Centre in Largo, MD. and featured all of the U.S. gymnasts (Mary Lou Retton, Mitch Gaylord, Bart Connor, Peter Vidmar, Julianne McNamara and Kathy Johnson just to name a few) Although I did not get to meet the athletes in person, it was a great night. Things are much different in person. The gymnasts are AMAZING!
Here we start the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China. This is Day three and the U.S. already has 12 medals won, close ranking with the host country China who has 14. I will be watching the Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Weightlifting and of course the Gymnastics team. So, make me proud! U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!!
