The London Olympics Live On In My Heart

August 21, 2012

Can I say...I have a serious case of Olympic Fever. What's that, you say? The Olympics are over? Not online! For the first time since the Games began, the Olympics are available to watch online in its entirety. While some events of the 2008 Beijng Olympics were streamed live, it was far from the scope of this year. Advances in technology and increases in bandwidth made it possible for YouTube to partner with 65 countries, offering a chance to view our Olympic athletes in a new medium. Geek out warning: I'm fascinated by the number breakdown!

The Olympics shows us the power of hard work and true talent. Many athletes train 8-10 hours a DAY! It inspires us to greatness. How many of us didn't try some crazy stunt in imitation of our favorite athletes once upon a time?

One of my favorite aspects of the Olympics is the talent showcased by teens. The youngest Medal winner from the 2012 London Games was only 15 years old: Alejandra Orozco of Mexico won Silver in synchronized platform diving! Don't forget the stunning talent of the "Fab Five" Gold Medal winners of the US Gymnastics Team, all of whom range from 15-18 years old. Australia's Brittany Broben, only 16, took home the Silver in 10-Meter platform diving. 15-year-old Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania won the first Gold Medal for her country ever in swimming. Missy Franklin, from Colorado, not only took home Gold, but set a World Record in the 200-Meter Backstroke.

According to NBC, even more teens than usual watched the Olympics, perhaps in part due to the availability of the Games online and via mobile devices. What were your favorite events? What moment took your breath away? My heart will always belong to Gymnastics, but Synchronized Swimming kept me on the edge of my seat!

I'll leave you with the Olympic motto: "Citius, Altius, Fortius" or "Faster, Higher, Stronger!"

Abbey L.
South Independence Branch