Ahh the Olympics, it’s that time again. Regular, average people get to watch the top one percent of athletes from across the globe compete in dozens of sports for that coveted gold medal. There’s drama, there’s excitement, there’s heartbreak, sadness. It’s the realest form of reality tv and we love it. If you’re American, it doesn’t matter where your political views lie, when it comes to the Olympics, we are all rooting for Team USA.
I always have mixed feelings when it comes time for the Olympics. The truth is, I always wanted to be an olympian. I loved competitive sports when I was younger, and I really thought I had a chance at being on the US Women’s Soccer team. Sounds silly now, I know. Oh to be young, naive, and hopeful again.
I also hate to admit how emotional I get when watching the Olympics. I usually stop breathing during the swim races and I can barely sit during the soccer games. And nothing hypes me up more than watching the gymnastics, are you kidding me?? Those fabulous bitches just flat out contorting, jumping and smiling like it’s nothing.
Patriotism is a weird thing. I don’t think I consider myself particularly patriotic, especially with the state of the American government right now. It actually feels a little embarrassing to me. Yet patriotism is showing vigorous support for one’s country. During the Olympics, it’s hard not to swell with pride when your country wins. Even though you had absolutely nothing to do with it. It’s like the one time I really understand why some people (particularly men but not exclusively) get so into sports and are so devoted to their team.
As a country we get to live vicariously through these young athletes. Especially now with social media, it’s easy to feel like you know or have a personal connection with some of these athletes if you follow them. Especially since some of them post about their everyday lives and it’s fascinating to think that they are normal people most of the time. Their jobs just happen to be being a top tier athlete.
And the women, the women. Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh, Ilona Maher, Sha’Carri Richardson, and basically every team of women from soccer to volleyball have captured us. I want them to win, I want them to win so badly. I am actually worried about watching it live because I fear I will openly sob no matter what the outcome is, win or lose. How does your heart not flutter with excitement just thinking about them and what they are about to do.
I guess what I’m saying is the Olympics brings forth a lot of feelings, most of which I’m not equipped to handle. I will be watching from the comfort of my couch, probably eating chicken wings and some form of potato (like a typical American) while simultaneously thinking about how amazing what they are doing is and also, “I could totally do that.”
