Lindsey and Julia ~ photo: CBS News
Bringing home the Gold…
Lindsay Vonn, Alpine Skier
Seth Wescott, Snowboarding
Shaun White, Snowboarder
Shani Davis, Speed Skater
Hannah Kearney, Freestyle Skiing
Evan Lysacek, Figure Skating
.
Johnny Spillane ~ Photo: UPI.COM
And following close behind with Silver & Bronze…
Bode Miller, Julia Mancuso, Byron Wilson, Shannon Bahrke, (Steamboat’s own) Johnny Spillane, Scotty Lago, Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, Chad Hedrick, J.R. Celski and Apolo Ohno.
America, we have something to celebrate. And while the medals are a just reward, we celebrate the determination of the human spirit.
I don’t know about you, but I have had a challenging year. During a time in our history when almost every American has felt the affects of a serious economic downturn, during a time of soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty of another, during a time when the entire planet seems at the mercy of mother nature… well, it’s nice to have something to cheer about. To celebrate. To jump off the couch and “yelp”!
And as you listen to the stories of these athletes… the personal sacrifices, the financial hardships, the heartbreaking injuries… you find a little faith. In our country, in our world, in our species. And for a moment, hope rises. And just a little “lift” in each one of us may be just what we need right now to make this planet a better, safer and more prosperous place to play.
Shani Davis ~ photo: UPI.com
Getting to the Olympics is no small accomplishment and winning a medal of any color is a “lifetime achievement award” in my book. Nice job ladies and gentlemen. And thank you, for reminding all of us that it is our human determination and strength of character and sheer will that carries us through even the hardest of times and most difficult of circumstances.
So far, so sweet. Stay tuned, because we’re sure the next few days will bring more glory…
Good post and very true – the Olympics always seem to inspire us all to be better at whatever it is we do – and this year I have definitely enjoyed forgetting day-to-day worries and celebrating our athletes!