Ramblings about the Olympics

It's similar to the Christmas spirit. I love the Olympic spirit. My family isn't a big "watching-TV" family but the past week we have anxiously gathered around at night to watch the events. What is it that's so inspiring about it? Well, for me it's that other people can do something so over and beyond my comprehension in physical endurance and strength. Something that I could never (or even want to) dream of doing. Michael Phelps, hands down most AMAZING athlete ever, seems invincible. Doubtless he's probably one of my heroes just because he is so...sobresaliente. (Look it up. I can't think of the word in English.) But I liked an interview I saw with Missy Franklin because she seems like such a real person. I love real people. None of the celebrity facade. I love watching the Olympics because no matter who wins, I am happy for them. (Unless it's some prideful know-it-all who makes some comment about wanting to smash everyone else.) Soni, an American swimmer, (yeah, can you tell that swimming is my favorite event?) was so happy when she won the gold, not because she beat everyone else, but because she finally beat her personal best. I wish everyone in the world had that attitude: comparing yourself to yourself and no one else. I think it's cool that Iraq has athletes competing too. The Olympics to me is a symbol that we CAN be civil with all human beings and respect each other for individual accomplishments. I just want world peace! **tear, tear**