I remember watching the Montreal Summer Games in 1976. Athletics (track & field) were a big draw with names like Greg Joy representing Canada in high jump. He was Canada’s last hope to get a gold medal for the country in-front of 70,000 fans at Olympic Stadium. Joy missed his jump at 2.25 m and lost to American, Dwight Stones. One of the other athletes that left an impression on a teenage, Gloria Evans, was Bruce Jenner competing in the decathlon. In 1972, he had finished 10th. A lesson to anyone, that out of the blocks, you may not be the best athlete, your work ethic and the desire to succeed have to carry you. But really, I think that Bruce just looked cool! Over decades, Jenner struggled with his true self and eventually came to realize that he had to make a change to be happy. Part of Caitlyn’s legacy will always be the 1976 Games in Montreal. Decathlon, became exciting for this country with Canadian Damian Warner’s career bringing home the gold.
The Olympic Games tell incredible stories at every turn. Relationships that are created such as the Canadian and American athletes that pushed each to be better. Saskatchewan’s Brianne Theisen-Eaton met her husband in college. She and Ashton Eaton drew energy and confidence from each other as they trained to competed in the Olympics. How do you balance a relationship and your athletic ambition successfully? Sometimes it just works! And when it comes to family, here’s something that is taking place in 2024 in Paris; the equal number of men and women participating and a child care area for the athletes’ families.
Years of training, dedication to fitness and healthy living lead the way to where ever global athletes come to play. This summer that mega-community of the fittest people in the world are in France. That is unless you are a surfer, then you went to Tahiti! The Olympics truly global!
The “Fear of Missing Out” might be the underlying theme as all the “A” list celebrities have made their way to Paris and surrounding areas. They want in on the excitement as much as anyone and how fun is it that they are placed amongst athletes’ families. A comment from, Ashton Eaton a few years ago puts into perspective how stars are in awe of the athletes. He was surprised by the reaction of Sarah Jessica Parker when they met at an awards show years ago.
The opening ceremonies on Friday were nothing short of amazing, beautifully orchestrated and moving in imagery and music. How can you go wrong with appearances by stars of movies, music, sport and fashion. Everyone has made their way to enjoy the Paris. In the meantime, I’ll just watch from home. #GOCANADA. Oh, and I’ll be lifting weights or doing something to keep active…it has been said that the popularity of gym use goes up around the games!
