Gold Rush

The Olympics Gold Rush is half way through as I write this post, another week to go and I have been following the games on TV almost every night.

To start-off, the opening ceremony was truly unique, it not only had all the pomp and glory associated with an Olympic Opening but it also imbibed in it, an amazing show of tradition, unity and power that one will now forever associate with China.

Of the sports that I have been able to watch, (swimming, gymnastics and beach-volleyball being the only ones really) the skill and the passion of each athlete in these sports has clearly shone through.

Whether its Michael Phelps , with his world record equaling 7 gold medals , the 7th one in a photo finish even to add to the thrill, or it is Misty May and Kerri Walsh winning an almost lost first set (5 set points against them) againt the Belgiums in the most amazing game of beach volleyball I've seen so far, and of-course the Womens Gymnastics team - Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin - all poise, grace and balance - each athletes hard work was clearly visible in every movement of their bodies in their respective events! Many Kudo's to not just these, but every athlete who as competed in the games, win or lose - to play is most important.

As I write this, I notice that I'm most aware of and also inadverently always rooting for the American athletes, so when Nastia and Shawn were (i felt) unfairly given lower scores on uneven bars and balance beams that their Chinese counter-parts, even though their routine was far more flawless, I felt my blood boil for them! And when the eventual won Gold and Silver in the all round champioships I rejoiced at their gain..

Now, it could be because I'm in the US and the prime-time TV here focuses on events that the Americans excel in (all of the above) and also because having lived here for a long time, an American winning the Gold makes me as Happy as an Indian winning the gold would make me feel..I guess I do have the true Olympic Spirit in me then eh?

Well, almost :). When Abhinav Bindra from India won the gold, I almost fell off my seat in disbelief! I couldnt watch the event, it wasnt shown on TV here, so I read it in the news and after that momentary feeling of disbelief, I was amazed, happy, proud, laughing and sad all at the same time! Finally..after 25 years, 1 Individual GOLD for a country of 1 Billion People!!

It is a well known fact that sports are not properly encouraged in India, we're a country of engineers and doctors, of intellectuals and artists but unfortunately - no athletes. No? Well, we now have a name to be proud of too..Abinav Bindra - Gold medalist - 2008 Beijing Olympics!!