Inspiring Olympics

So, the Olympics are on. I'm a sports nut (understatement of the year I'm sure). I love sports. So my kiddos have patiently amused me, letting me have run of the tv when I want, even joining me in some instances to yell like a crazy nut for some of it.

Yes, Michael Phelps had me screaming and cheering. But he almost had me crying too. Not when he won his first medal or last or any in between. I read several places after the race that all he wanted to do was hug his mom. Talk about inspiration for a mom! Granted he also apparently wanted a huge cheeseburger - but I choose to focus on hugging mom.

Then there was the Japanese gymnast - who fell from the rings in the all around. How is that inspirational? Well, maybe he was just nuts. But he refused to quit - he did the vault immediately after the fall. He'd torn his shoulder and landed on his hip and knee. Yet he did the vault. It wasn't pretty - but he had the courage to try.

But without a doubt, the most inspirational person so far is Natalie du Toit. Who's Natalie? She's an amputee who was a star swimmer from South Africa. Competing not in the paraolympics. No, the big show.

But Natalie, she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident, the "open water" swim was announced and decided that was for her. No turns in open water.

Anyway, to read her full story - go here (yahoo story about race) or here (olympic bio).

It's an amazing story about a remarkable woman. My favorite line: “You have to set dreams, set goals and never give up.”

Michael Phelps said something extremely similar ... and that was cool. But somehow I'll keep him hugging his mom and her words.

More as the inspiration hits me.

Enjoy the games!!!