Three Cheers for Beijing

Sports junkies usually get their fix on the weekends, when athletes take to the baseball field or tennis court or golf course or ... you get the idea. But, thanks to the 2008 Olympics, one could watch events ranging from soccer to badminton and take their minds off the turbulent economy and heated presidential election.
Michael Phelps' dominance in the swimming pool allowed me to focus on something other than my unemployment status, and seeing the "Redeem Team" defeat Spain for the title of world's best men's basketball team gave me hope that I'll rebound from this professional setback. As for Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, watching the beach volleyball duo successfully defend their gold medal victory from the 2004 Olympics was full of drama -- without a whiff of scandal. It was refreshing to see these athletes not only set the standard for excellence in their respective sports, but raise the bar to new levels.
This summer showcase represented the best of sportsmanship and goodwill. Athletes from dozens of nations competed in hundreds of disciplines to find out how good they really are and serve as cultural ambassadors. Viewers drew inspiration from the physical and mental toughness on display before a global audience, and one couldn't help but respect the hard work and huge sacrifice that went into pursuing a gold (or silver or bronze) medal. Regardless of the outcome, being part of an experience that most people can only dream about is a privilege.
In the end, the United States topped the overall medal count ... but other nations seized the opportunity to flex their muscles. China was a thorn in America's side when it came to gymnastics and diving, and Jamaica blew away the competition in several track and field races. These countries don't always see eye-to-eye when it comes to geopolitical matters, but they put aside their differences in the name of pursuing athletic glory.
16 days of riveting performances was a lot to digest -- even for a sports junkie. And while the accomplishments of the aforementioned stars didn't stabilize the economy or lead to world peace, they did whet my appetite for the 2012 Olympics. Let the games begin!