When you are building towards a dream a lot of time is spent in the "now". It interesting in the aftermath of the Olympic Trials to take a step back and look at all the really amazing things that have come as a result.
1. Kid connections - some of my favourite messages have been from friends with kids and how they have reacted to Riley and his Olympic Dream. My friend Susan's son would only let her clap when Riley dove because that is who they were there to cheer on; Doug's daughter Katie Ann sat with her mom (Dad in the stands with me) and asked her magic paper puzzle (remember those ones you folded up and wrote messages on and then asked questions and picked numbers) if Riley would win and it said "undoubtedly so"; Ruth's son Sam cheering at the computer especially at his favourite "twisty" dive which got 5 perfect marks; Shelly's daughter Katie still talking about Riley at the breakfast table the next morning and Chase and Aidan, young divers and the next generation of Boardworks possible Olympians inspired by their friend a mentor - when it seemed like only yesterday it was Riley standing small beside his idols. The imprint Riley is making on their small minds is one of the best things about being an Olympian.
2. People connections - I doubt Riley understands the impact he has had on so many people. We all love the Olympics and travel is known to reduce during the 3 weeks every four years as people stay home glued to their TV's. Friends, family and colleagues will have a special connection to the Olympics this summer and will enjoy the experience even more as it becomes personal
3. Celebrity connections- half off the bill at Cactus Club for Riley and his team mates on celebration night. And Riley was the celeb, not Alex - too funny
1. Kid connections - some of my favourite messages have been from friends with kids and how they have reacted to Riley and his Olympic Dream. My friend Susan's son would only let her clap when Riley dove because that is who they were there to cheer on; Doug's daughter Katie Ann sat with her mom (Dad in the stands with me) and asked her magic paper puzzle (remember those ones you folded up and wrote messages on and then asked questions and picked numbers) if Riley would win and it said "undoubtedly so"; Ruth's son Sam cheering at the computer especially at his favourite "twisty" dive which got 5 perfect marks; Shelly's daughter Katie still talking about Riley at the breakfast table the next morning and Chase and Aidan, young divers and the next generation of Boardworks possible Olympians inspired by their friend a mentor - when it seemed like only yesterday it was Riley standing small beside his idols. The imprint Riley is making on their small minds is one of the best things about being an Olympian.
2. People connections - I doubt Riley understands the impact he has had on so many people. We all love the Olympics and travel is known to reduce during the 3 weeks every four years as people stay home glued to their TV's. Friends, family and colleagues will have a special connection to the Olympics this summer and will enjoy the experience even more as it becomes personal
3. Celebrity connections- half off the bill at Cactus Club for Riley and his team mates on celebration night. And Riley was the celeb, not Alex - too funny
1 comment:
Congrats again to Riley and you and all his support team. You're absolutely right that having a personal connection to an Olympian makes the Games that much more exciting and special.
And it's a great reminder that the most important part of any Olympic Games is not the politics or politicians, but the athletes who have worked so hard to get there. We will be cheering them all on in Beijing - with the most enthusiasm reserved for Riley!
xo
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