I am enjoying the Olympic competition. It's a welcome respite from the daily melee of our presidential political Granfalloon.
While I'm still not in favor of the competitions that require judges to determine the winners, it's fun watching these athletes performing and striving to do their best. Even if their personal best doesn't get them any further than 5th place in their preliminary heat. It's the competition that matters.
There are some that I still don't understand everything . . . Like fencing, rugby, or judo. But still it's the competitive nature of the participants. I really enjoy the swimming as both of my daughters were competitive swimmers and am looking forward to track & field next week. I also enjoy the volleyball and soccer competition.
Again, it's the competitors that make it for me, even if they don't win. One of my favorites this past week was U.S. Cyclist Mara Abbott who was leading the women's road race after the final climb and the crash of a competitor on the descent. She was on her own pedaling the last 9 miles on her own trying to maintain her 35 second lead to the finish. A chase group of three riders caught up to her and passed her within about 100 yards to the finish line and she finished fourth. It would seem to have been a heartbreaking loss, but I saw her interviewed after the race and she was uplifting in her comments. I loved it.