5 Observations from the Olympics

It's hard not to watch the Olympics, even if NBC has tried repeatedly to ruin as much of it as possible. I don't so much care about the taped delay. I'll watch to see how things play out even if I know the outcome, but I don't like how they've manipulated the story lines and ignored other important moments of the games while pandering to Americans. That's not my point though.

First, I would want them to play Rocky Top instead of the National Anthem if I won gold. (I realize this is sacrilege to many. Deal with it.)

Second, if I'd known about trampoline as a sport, my life would be completely different.

Third, my odds of my ever being an Olympian started dropping drastically when I was eight and outgrew my training bra.

Fourth, I would drown if I ever tried to play water polo.

Finally, I will always be a little girl when watching gymnastics. When I was a kid I took gymnastics and I loved it. I was not however a natural. I got too tall and too big. I could do power elements like tumbling passes on floor and vaults, but uneven bars and beam were my nemeses. A bad fall on beam ruined my back, and no one with my proportions is ever going to do well on bars. I just don't have physics with me on that one. Regardless, learning to flip around the floor and spring over the vault were the closest I'd ever come to flying.

I've watched gymnastics since Mary Lou, and I watched replays and movies of Nadia. I remember vividly Phoebe Mills bouncing wildly out of bounds, and Dominique Dawes spinning like no other. Kim Zmeskal winning again and again. The Mag Seven made me smile, and as annoying as Kerri Strugg was, I'll forever respect her for not giving up and nailing that one-footed landing. Bela smiling and cheering will always bring me joy. This year, Gabby managed to combine the graceful moves of gymnastics past with the power and athleticism it's know for now, all with an electric smile that I guarantee thrilled many more little girls.

No matter how bizarre the opening ceremonies or bad NBC's coverage, the Olympics will always hold magic for me. The pageantry and pride are awe inspiring. I love watching.