Growing up my family always watched the Olympics on TV, and I began to dream, “setting my standards high.” When I grew up, I didn't necessarily care about competing in the Olympics, I just wanted to go to the Olympics. I never could have imagined the role Timon was going to play in that dream by moving to China. When we found out the 2008 Summer Olympics were going to be in Beijing, Timon and I began to scheme about going together.
I finally bought a ticket and flew out on August 8, 2008. The first event we attended was Team Handball. First of all, who knew team handball was anything more than a game I played in middle school PE, and second there isn't a US team. Maybe there is a chance for Timon and I to compete in the Olympics after all. After that we attended boxing, women’s soccer semi-finals (US beat Japan!), women’s basketball semi-finals (Dwayne Wade sat right in front of us and gave us a head nod), tennis, women's beach volleyball gold medal match, and last but certainly not least track finals.
Before track finals, I had already joined Timon and Kristina for their one-month anniversary dinner and spent some quality time getting to know Kristina (instantly approved!). We decided that in order to represent our country well at track finals, we needed to sport our US colors and flail a giant American flag. Part of our attire included tights. Red and blue tights. And Kristina and I weren't the only ones wearing them. So after getting dressed in red, white and blue from head to toe, including Kristina's and my nails, we headed to the Bird's Nest!
I have to admit the three of us were awe struck as we stood in between the Bird's Nest and The Cube hearing people speaking multiple languages and representing the beauty and diversity of many countries. It was by far the most magical experience of them all. When we finally found our seats it was hard to believe that we were sitting across the track from the flames that we watched from afar on the television so many times during our childhood. With cameras flashing, athletes competing to reach their dreams, and us right in the middle of it all, we were having the time of our lives.
We had the opportunity to see many significant events that night. Brian Clay finished his decathlon that night to take the gold, and Usane Bolt and his team broke the world record in the 4X100 meter relay! Timon, Kristina and I were jumping up and down and screaming so loud as Usane's team broke into their celebration dance right below us on the track! Our hearts were pounding, and the deafening sound of the crowd was a moment never to be forgotten. Throughout the rest of the night the three of us were gripping the flag, jumping up and down in our red, white and blue, and cheering for our country.
By the end of the track meet, the Australian pole vaulter was attempting his last jumps to break the Olympic record. We relocated to get a better view, and sure enough it was worth it, as he is now the Olympic Record holder! After his celebration, a high-lights video was shown, recapping the glorious moments of the evening, including Clay, Bolt and the pole vaulter. However, the most exciting clip of the video was when we saw ourselves for about two-point-five seconds on the jumbo-tron, jumping up and down in our sweatbands and tights and holding our giant American Flag! It was the perfect ending to a perfect night and I will always cherish the special memories that Kristina, Timon and I experienced that day.
