London 2012 Olympics

I went to the Olympics.  This was my fifth Olympics, and I thought it the best in many ways.

The events I saw were varied, exciting, and all that I’d hoped for.  It is hard to beat the thrill of being in a crowd of passionate spectators, whether watching N. Korea vs China women’s volleyball or Netherlands vs Germany men’s field hockey—it beats TV any day.   I saw the UConn-dominated USA women's basketball team play Australia in the semis (photos above) and was present for a record-breaking night of medals in track and field for Team USA.  I loved watching men’s field hockey for the first time, cheering on an athlete or two from countries newly represented in the Olympics like Grenada and Botswana, and supporting the Brits whenever possible.  London itself was also spectacular in its offering of history, museums, gardens, and ethnic restaurants.

The highlights for me, however, were:  1) the awesome organization of crowds and transportation, and 2) the enthusiastic presence—everywhere—of knowledgeable volunteers.  I’d like to think there are lessons to be learned from this, even for “smaller” athletic events.

Of course, I read British newspapers and watched British TV while I was there.  Over and over, analysts commented on the value of the enthusiastic support in the stands for their British athletes--loud, cheering fans waving and wearing Union Jacks, and others like me, caught up in the excitement.  Team GB must have helped:  British athlete after athlete spontaneously thanked the crowd for its support, and responded by winning 29 gold, 17 silver, and 19 bronze medals, a total of 18 more medals than in 2008.  Competing athletes do appreciate their fans—another lesson reinforced.

            I’m so glad I went!  And now, I'm excited for the Stanford sports season.