Parting Shots
- Posted 3 months ago|
- 1 comment
Happy Labor Day Weekend here from California. Since the Olympics have ended, I've headed headed home, where it's 80 degrees and sunny, and have enjoyed some time outside with my little boy. I've also finally been able to catch up on my sleep. In other news, my husband's season as a coach at Santa Clara University has begun so I'll be watching lots of women's college soccer.
But I've had a week or so to reflect on how amazing these Olympics were and the many memories that will last forever... Michael Phelps, obviously. Also seeing Walsh and May win gold in beach volleyball since Kerry Walsh and I went to the same high school, so that's a close one for me. I also think Usain Bolt's performance at these Games is something I'll never forget. There's a guy who did something that is absolutely unbelievable, something only Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis did. The way he ran those races with grace and beauty was incredible.
On a sour note, the pain that the U.S. Women's Softball Team must still be going through is something I can relate to. It reminds people of how fragile things can be, how difficult it is to be on top and Number One. It is incredibly difficult whether you are in the Olympic Games or in a friendly game, people want to take you down when you are the best, and that is a lot of pressure to have to deal with.
It's interesting because I see a lot of parallels with what U.S. women's soccer has experienced, being on top, achieving a popularity, helping to grow the sport and then witnessing the rest of the world get better as a result of your success. In a way, that's ultimately what you hope for. The only reason we play is to compete and challenge ourselves so it's great to play against teams that are raising their level and you're raising your level. That's what's so fun. So they are a product and in this case a victim of their own success and it is a great opportunity to celebrate what they have done over the years.
In retrospect, I also enjoyed my month living in New York City during the Olympics, where we conducted our broadcasts from. Loved it! It was interesting to see the influx of Europeans, South Americans and visitors and even locals from all backgrounds. That's New York. I heard every language imaginable on one street corner, which is so cool. I got to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and the West Side Highway, have lunch in Central Park and did things I've never done in my life, so I was very fortunate.
There's lots more to say and much more work to be done, but since it's Labor Day, I'm going to enjoy the last days of summer with the family and catch up with you all next week or so. Take care and have fun!
But I've had a week or so to reflect on how amazing these Olympics were and the many memories that will last forever... Michael Phelps, obviously. Also seeing Walsh and May win gold in beach volleyball since Kerry Walsh and I went to the same high school, so that's a close one for me. I also think Usain Bolt's performance at these Games is something I'll never forget. There's a guy who did something that is absolutely unbelievable, something only Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis did. The way he ran those races with grace and beauty was incredible.
On a sour note, the pain that the U.S. Women's Softball Team must still be going through is something I can relate to. It reminds people of how fragile things can be, how difficult it is to be on top and Number One. It is incredibly difficult whether you are in the Olympic Games or in a friendly game, people want to take you down when you are the best, and that is a lot of pressure to have to deal with.
It's interesting because I see a lot of parallels with what U.S. women's soccer has experienced, being on top, achieving a popularity, helping to grow the sport and then witnessing the rest of the world get better as a result of your success. In a way, that's ultimately what you hope for. The only reason we play is to compete and challenge ourselves so it's great to play against teams that are raising their level and you're raising your level. That's what's so fun. So they are a product and in this case a victim of their own success and it is a great opportunity to celebrate what they have done over the years.
In retrospect, I also enjoyed my month living in New York City during the Olympics, where we conducted our broadcasts from. Loved it! It was interesting to see the influx of Europeans, South Americans and visitors and even locals from all backgrounds. That's New York. I heard every language imaginable on one street corner, which is so cool. I got to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and the West Side Highway, have lunch in Central Park and did things I've never done in my life, so I was very fortunate.
There's lots more to say and much more work to be done, but since it's Labor Day, I'm going to enjoy the last days of summer with the family and catch up with you all next week or so. Take care and have fun!
Hey Brandi, awesome you had such a great experience in NY. My name is Greg Switzer and I was a senior at Mitty when you were a freshman. Anyway, I left a note in the alumni website concerning my soccer rat daughter Loren. Check it out when you can. Thanks