When I was kid, the Olympics bugged me. They took my shows off TV for two weeks. The nerve. And I’ve never liked sports. Until the summer of 1984. Newly married, I was a hairdresser with a beauty shop at my house. My husband worked days and half the night as a dental technician, then slept much of the day. My business was new. Often I had a few retired clients early in the morning and nothing else until school let out and people got off work. The days were long and there was nothing on TV. Except the Olympics.
It was Carl Lewis who sucked me in. He was American. And fast. I cheered him on. Soon, I heard the stories of other athletes and watched them compete. I became a fan as I cheered Mary Lou Retton and Edwin Moses on. I hated that I’d missed the Winter Olympics that year. And then I waited, for four long years. Since then, I’ve watched the Summer and Winter events every single year. I rejoiced in 1994, when they split up Summer and Winter, so I only have two years to wait instead of four.
Over the years, I’ve cheered on Michael Johnson and his gold shoes, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, Flo Jo, Apollo Ono, Michael Phelps, Shaun White, Peekaboo Street, Mikela Shiffrin, Elana Meyers Taylor, Paul and Morgan Hamm, Charlie White and Meryl Davis along with various others. I watched the Nancy and Tonya drama play out, then saw a young Russian skate away with the Gold. I’ve even rooted for a few not Americans. Elvis Strojko, wow could that guy skate and Minute Bol, because he was SO fast. Who could forget Laura Wilkinson, who said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” after winning her Gold medal?
My winter favorites are figure and speed skating, bobsled, skeleton, luge, freestyle and downhill skiing. Snowboarding is growing on me. In summer, I love track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. I still don’t like sports, with the exception of when my son was playing, but I love the Olympics. It’s the patriotism, the athletes’ stories, the people behind the sports. It’s the only time I ever watch sports on TV or period since my son is grown. I’ve often said it fascinates me for an athlete to spend their entire life training for the Olympics, because I can’t imagine being that committed to a sport.
But I am that committed to writing. Unlike many of the brave souls on this blog, I don’t have the skillset to publish my own books. I’m severely technically challenged. So, I spent 9 1/2 years and received over 200 rejection letters trying to get published. I feel an affinity with Olympic athletes, as I do with contestants on singing shows. I’ve been there, so to speak. During those years of striving for publication, I’d get a rejection letter and I was crying on the track after a fall like Mary Decker. But then a kind editor took the time to tell me something I’d done right and encourage me, sending me soaring into a triple toe loop like Oksana Baiul. I signed with my first agent who saw promise in me and I was backflipping and landing with my feet on the ice with Scott Hamilton. Six months later, the agent realized I needed more help than she could give, I stumbled and nosedived in the snow with Lindsey Jacobellis. I finaled in a writing contest and soared to the win with Tommy Moe on the downhill ski run.
I met my first editor at a conference and got a request for my full manuscript and did a Johnny Moseley iron cross trick. Six months later, the rejection came and I busted it on the balance beam with Dominique Moceanu. I got two offers from publishing companies, signed with my second agent, and did a double twist vault with Gabby Douglas. We decided on which publisher to go with, then lost the contract, because unbeknownst to me, my agent had a bad rep in the industry. I fell and cut my femoral artery on my skate with J. R. Celski.
You get the picture. After that, I fired my agent. She went out of business and the other publisher was still willing to give me a contract. But once I got that first contract, it still hasn’t been smooth sailing. My publisher went out of business. Twice. I got brave enough to sign with a new agent. A good one. My editor left–four different ones. My friend bought a publishing company and I signed on as an editor. I decided I wanted to write for the company. I didn’t need an agent for that, but my contract with my agent was all-inclusive. We went our separate ways, so I’m currently agentless. I still get rejections. And these days I give them.
But I still love to write. The fire still burns in me, characters still whirl in my head, and stories come out of nowhere. Just like Olympians, artists, musicians, or anyone else with a passion that drives them. And through it all–the soaring heights and painful falls–God has been there. I know in my bones that every good thing, every scrap of encouragement, and every success was orchestrated by him. My must be weary by now, ever-supportive husband has my back too. So, as I continue to wait–hoping to sign with my fourth agent, nab a three-book contract, and sell my long-length novel that’s been languishing in my computer for at least ten years–I’ll keep striving. Either way, I have a plan to get where I want to go. I’ll keep doing triple axels and double backflips. Until God tells me to stop.
Just like the Olympians–only I guess unless they’re Christians–their bodies tell them to stop.
By the way, I’ve read 4 books this year. Well on my goal to 20 for the year. And several jigsaws.
Do you like the Olympics? Why or why not? What’s your favorite sport? Who’s your favorite athlete in the Olympics or any sport? What’s your driving passion? Answer any or all to enter the drawing for reader’s choice of a print copy from the backlist I have on hand. U.S. and international included. Deadline: March 11th.
All comments also go into the drawings for our birthday bash. This year, I was up to my eyeballs editing when the busy bees at Inspy Romance were organizing things. I got the e-mail, but by the time I came up for air, the deadline had passed. I apologize to our readers and the other authors for not participating. But there are lots of great books to be had, so be sure and check it out: https://www.inspyromance.com/happy-8th-birthday-inspy-romance/
Pam Whorwell says
I used to watch the Olympics but haven’t for years. I don’t watch much TV at all nowadays and would rather read. I would rather pick up a book than hear about all the ugliness in the world today.
Jaye says
Well, wow! That was a really great read. ♥️ Thank you… And you’ve inspired me. ♥️
Ausjenny says
I love the Olympics although this time we didn’t get as much figure skating as I would like and to many replays due to the time zones. I do enjoy figure skating, Snowboarding and the Ski Cross and aerials, moguls etc oh and can’t forget the curling. For summer I like swimming, diving, gymnastics, field hockey and many others (not into fighting ones).
I am looking forward to the Para Olympics starting tonight.
Lori R says
I enjoyed reading your article! I have always liked the Olympics and I am glad you just have to wait two years to watch one of them. I really like Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwan, and Kristi Yamaguchi. My favorite is watching figure skating.
Dianne says
Never interestef in sport much. Very clumsy as a child so playing it wasn’t enjoyable. Sometimes I will check out the figure skating and the ribbon twirlung one in the Winter Olympics highlights because my mum loves it and we can chat about it. Very rarely watch TV, much prefer to read. Yoour post is unbelievable and so inspiring to read. The utmost dedication, focus and dedication to excel in elite sport is not something most people are willing to sacrifice for. Your faith is a shining example of why you are a successful writer despite the setbacks.
Jeannette Harbottle says
I don’t think I have read your books but after reading this post I will definitely be looking for them. You had me balancing on the beam, and, very predictably for me, falling off.
Thank you for an excellent post.
Renate says
Hi Shannon! This retired high school literature teacher, enjoyed your blog and the analogy between an author’s book publishing journey and the journey of an Olympian athlete. I am not a sports person, but I do enjoy watching figure skating and swimming. I also liked Michael Phelps and Kristi Yamaguchi. Even though Canadian Kurt Browning never won a gold medal in figure skating, I enjoyed watching his special TV ice show presentations. Life is a journey, regardless of age or occupation. In SW Michigan the birds and squirrels are announcing that spring is in the air. Hooray. Enjoy your weekend.
Todd Rumsey says
I am a huge Olympics fan, more so than any other sporting event. I have even had the pleasure of attending the 2000 Sydney Olympic games with my uncle for a week.
Elizabeth Litton says
I’ve never watched the Olympics, so I don’t know if I like them or not. :D
Andrea Conner says
What an inspiring story you have and thank you for sharing it. Don’t watch the Olympics and haven’t for years.
Lori Smanski says
welcome today. I didnt like the Olympics at first either. I was into sports. Mainly baseball. but it took over tv series like Wonderful World of Disney. arggghhh. yes I was young. but I really did like the ice skating. they were so graceful. now my thoughts to be one. we lived in the Mojave desert and there were no ice rinks. but mom and dad would take us up the back side of Big Bear Mountain in CA and we would ice skate there. Except one time. No one could ice skate because Peggy Fleming was practicing. Oh what grace and beauty. Mom and I stayed and watched while dad took my three brothers into the woods for fun.
Trudy says
I’ve never watched the Olympics, except in passing, and didn’t do that much. I don’t like most sports, though I can tolerate basketball and really like baseball, though I don’t watch it like I used to. I much prefer to read!! I’m on my 38th book of the year!
Kendra Muonio says
My family don’t watch Olympics but if I did watch I would probably watch gymnastics or ice skating
Mary R Kennemer says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. They were very interesting. I enjoy the figure skating.
Tina R says
Thanks for sharing your writing journey with us. I begame a hairstylist in 1984, too, and now I love to proofread. We both went from hair to books. :)
I rememeber going to the rodeo when I was younger and loved it, but I’m not into watching any sports now. I love to read sports romances though.
Joye says
I watch the Olympics and have enjoyed that for a long time. I love to swatch the sking since I ski too. I also like the ice skating events.
Priscila Perales says
I like the Olympics, but I’m certainly not a die hard fan like you, lol. I like how it features all the best athletes from around the world. My winter favorite is figure skating, and for summer it’s a tie between Gymnastics and Track and Field.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
My husband isn’t a fan. I think he was bummed when they were on this time. Usually in the evening, we watch OLD series together. It’s how we unwind. The Olympics interrupted things for him. I’d rather read too. But he’s not a reader, so watching old tv shows is something we can do together. We like to see if we can figure out whodunit before Colombo does.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I’m so glad, Jaye. I forgot to even mention the part when a Vanity Press, who’d rejected my book, published it without telling me. Then when I hired a lawyer, the publisher claimed he needed a heart transplant and threatened to sue me for stressing a handicapped person. Trying to get published is big fun :)
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I enjoyed figure skating more this time than I have in years, Ausjenny. We have streaming and there was a place to click on each sport. The coverage stayed in the figure skating arena. In between skaters, the Zamboni machine smoothed the ice, and skaters practiced, instead of cutting to another sport. The great thing, no announcers.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I loved watching all of those too, Lori. But especially Michael Phelps. He was amazing. I remember them talking about him having the perfect body for speed in swimming.
Our son is built a lot like him. He’s 6’3″ with a really long trunk and huge feet. We kept an above ground pool from when he was 7 to 16. Since my husband doesn’t like to swim, it was our thing. We had the best conversations and races in that pool.
When he hit 16, he wouldn’t swim with mom anymore. It languished for two years because I didn’t want to mess with the upkeep to swim by myself. We took it down this year. But one day, I’m planning to get a built in.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I was never good at sports either, Dianne. I loved softball, but I always hit it straight to the pitcher and if for some reason, he didn’t catch it, I wasn’t a fast runner.
The ribbon twirling is fun to watch. I can’t imagine having that much coordination.
Thanks for the compliments. I try to put it all behind me and not dwell on the bad stuff or whine. There were bad moments I even forgot to include in this post. But watching the Olympics or singing competitions always reminds me of my journey.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Jeannette, I’m glad you enjoyed my musings. I fell off too. Trust me. My aunt used to have bricks around the landscaping in her yard. My cousins could balance and walk on them. I always wobbled and fell off.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Oh Renate, Kurt Browning was my all time favorite. For some reason I don’t remember him competing in the Olympics. I guess because I usually root for the U.S., unless an athlete really stands out. But I loved watching him once he went pro. I remember one special with him skating and his wife dancing on a stage in the middle. It was so lovely.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Oh, that would be so awesome to actually get to go there, Todd. I can’t imagine.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Andrea, I try not to dwell on the bad stuff.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Oh wow, that would be awesome to watch Peggy Fleming, Lori. She didn’t do all the jumping and twirling back then. But she was so graceful.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I loved watching baseball when my son played, Trudy. He was the pitcher and struck 9 kids out in one game when he was ten. I cried when he quit to switch to basketball. I didn’t like it as much, but I was there every game cheering him on.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Those are my absolute favorites, Kendra. I used to watch lots of ice skating. We can’t get cable where we live, so we had a satellite. There for a while, we didn’t have one, so couldn’t get the channels with ice skating. But now with streaming, I need to see what I can find. I like the women’s and couples events. Men, not so much.
Megan says
I always enjoyed watching figure skating in the winter Olympics. I don’t much care for the Summer Olympics.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
It’s so graceful, Mary. I can’t imagine being able to skate around on a blade, hurl myself in the air, do graceful spins, and land upright. Or speed skating on razor blades. Such talent.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
We have a lot in common, Tina. My dad announced rodeos and I worked the concession stand. I ended up writing 8 books set around the rodeo and half a dozen more with cowboys, including a few ex-bull riders. Those guys amaze me. If I fell off once, I’d be done. Actually, I fell off a horse once, and I was pretty much done after that.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
You have persevered just like an Olympian for sure!
I enjoy the Olympics though I didn’t watch them much this go around. Figure skating, aerial ski jumping, snowboarding, bobsleds, are all at the top of my list to watch but I really enjoy watching most of the winter sports.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I can’t imagine hurtling down a mountain on skis, Joye. Not for the faint of heart. It does look like fun though.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
It’s really funny because my husband used to watch them, but he gets caught up in the politics and doesn’t enjoy it anymore. My son never watched with me. And my parents never watched. I sit in my cozy sun room and watch all by my lonesome. Sometimes I do a jigsaw while I watch. Ditto on your favorites. I love swimming too though. And skiing. I’m not big on the team sports though.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Ice skating is my all time favorite, Megan. I like the women and couples events. But I’m not really of a fan of the mens. Every once in a while, there will be a male skater I like, but not very often.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
It was really fun with streaming this year, Kimberly. I could pick the sport I wanted and watch all of it. Without announcers. I miss Dick Button. The new announcers get on my last nerve.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Wow Elizabeth. That’s a feat since they’ve been on forever :) Maybe it’s like football for me. I don’t like it because I don’t understand it and I don’t care enough to learn.
Jaye says
Oh, my goodness! What a truly epic journey you’ve been on. It is an encouraging story for others.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Thanks Jaye. I tell others if I can make it thorugh all that, surely their journey won’t be as difficult. I use my experiences as a keynote address at writer’s conferences.
Mary Preston says
I love watching the Olympics – summer and winter. So much athleticism on show.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
It amazes me, Mary. We had a pommel horse at my elementary school. It was fun to jump on it, but I can’t imagine doing the vaults and spinning and switching hands stuff they do. And I tried to ice skate down our steep driveway when I was a kid in Illinois. I rolled end over end and didn’t try it again.
Suzan Burgett says
Do you like the Olympics? Why or why not? What’s your favorite sport? Who’s your favorite athlete in the Olympics or any sport? What’s your driving passion? Answer any or all to enter the drawing for reader’s choice of a print copy from the backlist I have on hand. U.S. and international included. Deadline: March 11th.
I enjoy the Winter Olympics more because of the ice skating and skiing events and competitions. I don’t have a favorite athlete; I am in awe of each one’s abilities and their commitment to their sport. Many tirelessly practice and compete year round for another opportunity to improve and return to compete again in future Olympic events in hopes of achieving their goal and winning the competition and being presented a “Place” ribbon. The grace with which they glide, slide, whoosh, twirl, etc … wow! The inner me wishes I could do that and that I could be so graceful. The practical me reminds myself that I have other strengths and gifts that God gave me. What is my driving passion? I have more than one. First, to encourage others – people of all ages and backgrounds and races, from kids through senior adults, regardless of their current job or position in an Organization Chart or whatever, my driving passion is encourage people and let them know that they matter and that what they do matters. I often include how and why what they do matters. What may seem so small and mundane everyday to them, is huge to those who receive the services, smiles, help, etc. I use my art skills to encourage others and blend my passion for creativity and art with my passion to encourage and uplift others. I also have a passion for senior adults, kids, and anyone with a physical or mental disability. The people matter and their opinions are important and deserve to be heard just like anyone else’s opinions. Their voices and message need to be heard; deserves to be heard. Their voices need to be heard. I do what I can towards that goal.
On a different note, to you, I would say Kudos to you! It takes a lot to keep putting one foot in front of the other, especially when rejections are more plentiful or louder than acceptance. Your story, the story you live each day, is inspiring and encouraging. It is genuine and has a sound of empathy – the “like me” and “me, too” that is needed so that we all can remember that we are not alone on life’s journey or our individual pursuits of our unique passions instilled in us by our Creator. Shannon, keep writing, keep editing, keep pursuing what you know you were called to do. When God opens the door He has for you, you will overjoyed and overwhelmed in a wonderful way.
Alicia Haney says
I love to watch the skating partners in the Olympics. Tennis is actually the only sport that I follow. I don’t really have a favorite in Tennis . My granddaughter and grandson play tennis, and so did their mama(our daughter) and our son(their uncle) and they were pretty good. Our son takes our youngest grandson(his son) who is 10 yrs old and goes and hits with him. I enjoyed reading your post, Thank you. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
Natalya Lakhno says
I love Olympics – winter is my favorite. I love Figure Skating :) too much drama this year though :(
Driving passion…hm…help other and make people happy :)
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Suzan. I remember when Mary Decker fell in that race and just lay there and cried. I didn’t really understand then why she was so upset. That she’d trained not only the last four years, but her whole life for it, and it was her last Olympics. As I get older and have old hairdresser knees, I wonder what those runners and skaters are doing to their knees.
Encouraging others is a great passion. I’m amazed at how many young adults are prepared for life, from rent to owning a descent vehicle. There are a couple of young ladies we’ve tried to teach and encourage in these areas.
Thank you for the encouragement. You’re good at this. I guess my determination all came together when I went to a local writer’s conference. The speaker asked if we knew we’d never get published and never make a dime, would we write anyway. My answer was yes.
I hope you have an encourager in your life.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I love ice dance and pairs. I’d get my feet all tangled up if I had to skate with someone. I always wanted to play tennis, but I whacked that ball like I was playing badminton and shot it way out of bounds every time I tried. I enjoy badminton and I love putt putt/mini golf. That’s about the extent of my sports prowess and I’m not very good at either one. But they’re fun. I love to swim also.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I streamed the Olympics this year. It was awesome. You could click on each sport you wanted to watch. For the ice skating, the coverage stayed in the ice arena, so in between events, the Zamboni smoothed the ice. There were no TV commentators and I missed all the drama. All I saw was the competition. It was awesome!
Those sound like great driving passions.
Shelia Hall says
I love the figure skating (single and pairs) as well as gymnastics. my favorite skater is Dorthey Hamill and Peggy Fleming and gymnastic is Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
I enjoy the Olympics especially the ice skating and in the summer games the gymnastics.
bn100 says
like all the Olympic events
Kathleen Mattingly says
I don’t like sports and I don’t watch the Olympics. I don’t even watch tv very often. I just really enjoy reading!
Debra Pruss says
Thank you so much for sharing. I am not a sports fan. It is nice to watch the gymnastics as well as the figure skating. I was also drawn in to swimming with Michael Phelps. If the television is on, I may catch a bit of it. This year, we did not have the television on except for the news. I do like to hear if the USA won any metals. God bless you.
Trixi says
We don’t watch the Olympics because we aren’t sports fans (except NFL football). I’ve never really been into sports growing up either. If I ever were to watch something, it would probably be gymnastics or ice skating.
My driving passion….to please God first, take care of my family second, and have fellowship with my church family whenever we have service or a special. I’m also (obviously) a huge reader :-) I not only love a good story, but also the faith thread that feeds my soul. Finding God in the middle of the story is what I want! :-)
Mercey Valley says
I’m not sporty by nature but as I get older, am trying to be, to be healthier and not die like a blob in a chair somewhere. Consequently, I’ve dropped in and out of the Olympics over the years, mainly watching it because someone else is – favouring the rowing and the swimming, with occasional snowboarding thrown in. I especially think the Paralympics outshine the rest. Now there’s determination.
You’ve had such a slog with your writing journey, but while the characters are whirling, they’re so hard to walk away from. Sometimes I do, just to get the peace back. But it’s the one thing I’ve been surrounded by and keep coming back to both to read and create: Stories.
Good on you for persevering, and keep going. If the Olympics and sports aren’t stopping anytime soon, why should you?
I think it’s the thing about creating something; it’s close to God’s heart.
Mary says
It seems strange to me, but for some reason I have not turned on the last Summer or Winter Olympic games. Maybe it is because I no longer watch much television, so it just does not occur to me to turn it on. Maybe it is because the television just cannot match the excitement of actually attending an Olympics. Yes, I spent several days in Atlanta for the 1996 games. It was the idea adventure since we had a free place to stay (with family) and easy access to public transportation (I pre-purchased rapid transit passes). I do enjoy the various sports in both, but the horse lover in me had her heart racing at the equestrian event I attended. My heart was broken when a local tennis star was competing at a time that we could not access his court. Oddly enough, he is now someone I know well enough to stop and talk to if I see him out someplace. Maybe I will start watching again in 2 years – I dearly love the competition and seeing the athletes giving their very best to achieve gold.
Amy Perrault says
I don’t mind the Olympics when it’s winter for the Hockey games.
Sylvain P says
I enjoy them especially for Canadian Hockey Games.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Shelia. It must be an awesome feeling to have people still doing a move you invented, ala the Hamill camel. And I remember when everyone wanted their hair cut like Dorothy’s. Peggy Fleming was always so graceful, Nadia was so elegant, and Mary Lou was so effervescent. All so fun to watch. Good choices.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Those are probably my favorites too, Lelia. But I love swimming and skiing too. And bobsled. And the list goes on :)
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
You sound like me, bn100. I don’t like basketball, hockey, soccer, or curling so much though. I’m just not a team sport gal.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Me too on the reading, Kathleen. I’ve discovered though when I’m editing a book, I can’t read too. I get the plots mixed up. I can write a book and read a different book at the same time though. When I’m editing, I really have to focus on one book.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Debra,
I was disappointed with the US medal count this year. They did great, but I love when the US wins more golds and more medals than anyone else.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Hey Trixi. I enjoy watching ice skating even when it’s not the Olympics.
Those are great driving passions. Especially the fellowship with church family. So many people are content with going to church only on Sunday mornings. They miss so much. My husband and I are always amazed when members who’ve been around for at least six months ask who other members are.
Me too – on the God in the story. I know a lot of Christian authors who read all secular books. I just can’t do it. God is the only answer to every problem in this world.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I worry about dying like a blob in a chair in front of a computer too, Mercey. I sold my treadmill and bought an elliptical last year. I shouldn’t have. The treadmill is the only thing I’ve ever done consistently. When weather permits, I walk and I used to swim. But my job requires me to be sedentary a large part of the time.
I’ve never watched the Paralympics. I had no idea it was on TV. I’ll have to check it out. That is determination.
A couple of times, when things weren’t going well, I decided to quit writing. That’s when the characters really started bugging me. Now when my characters won’t do what I want them to or I’m having trouble with a story, I go for a walk. It’s amazing what I can work out. I need my treadmill back.
I hope you’ll keep writing too. I always figure if you give a nonbeliever a Bible, they may not read it. But if you give them a novel, just maybe they will. And find God in the pages, so they’ll want to read the Bible to learn more.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Oh wow, Mary. It would be a let down to watch it on TV after being there in person. ’96 was one of my favorite years. My husband was on a business trip out of town. For one weekend, I watched nonstop, live. Most years, I’ve recorded and watched events when I have time. This year, I watched mostly replays. Watching it live that year and in Atlanta, where I used to live in a suburb near, it was just really special to me. I should have gone since I still have family there.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I never have gotten into hockey, Amy. Mostly, I don’t understand the rules. Maybe if I did, it would help. But I’m not really into team sports very much. But with the Olympics, there’s something for everyone.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Another hockey fan. I may have to study the sport and learn the rules.
Mary says
It is a shame that you missed the opportunity to attend. My family was also in a nearby suburb, but driving into town was not an issue. We were in town (but not at Centennial Park) when the bomb went off. We stayed an extra day – there is that benefit of staying with family – to be there when the park reopened. Talk about an emotionally charged event! A family member from North Carolina actually worked at one of the venues north of town. Her son went on to compete in the Athens games. I belonged to an Olympics YahooGroup at the time and one of the members in the UK recorded his event live and sent it to me. Sadly, he did not win a medal.
Jessica B. says
I love the Olympics and, like you, enjoy hearing about the athletes’ stories and how they have gotten to where they are. I love watching someone have the performance of their life on such a big stage when the pressure is on. My favorite sports to watch are figure skating, swimming, and gymnastics.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
I dont know why I didn’t think about going. I guess that was back when I had a 9 to 5 job and I probably didnt have vacation time.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Yes, Jessica. I love when they do great. I hate when they fall no matter where they’re from. It makes me sad.
Dora says
I don’t usually watch the Olympics. I read more than I watch T.V.
Softball is my favorite sport.
Melynda says
I’ve always loved the Olympic and would watch them faithfully, but this year I didn’t really watch any of it. I was on vacation when they started, so I’m sure that was part of the problem, but it also seemed like it was harder to find events on tv at times when I could watch them. Hopefully the next time they come round I’ll be able to watch more. I love figure skating, swimming, gymnastics, well, pretty much anything.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Reading is always better than TV, Dora. I love softball too. I stink at it. But my son was really good at baseball.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
In 2012, we were on vacation during the summer Olympics. On the way home, we’d arranged for our son to go to a hunting ranch for a guided wild hog hunt. There were no cabins available, so I was ready to hang out in the air conditioned truck for a few hours. It was way too hot to stay outside. The guy who owned the ranch insisted I stay in his house while he guided my guys on the hunt. I watched the Olympics and our son got a hog.
Abigail Harris says
I’ve never really been a fan of the Olympics but I have sweet memories of seeing them at my gram’s house.