Michael Phelps Owes Jason Lezak a Beer

Well, really he owes all of the men who joined him on the relay teams, but the most noticeable is the anchor man in both relays, Jason Lezak, whose fast touches meant gold and history for Michael Phelps. (What, you think Phelps has anything to do with winning 8 gold medals? ha.)

I’ve watched bits and pieces of the Olympics this year. I’m most fond of swimming and gymnastics (yes, I know that’s what everyone likes) and diving is tolerable. Unfortunately, I usually get home from work, eat dinner, sit down on the couch to watch the coverage, and promptly fall asleep. I awake to find that I would rather crawl into bed.

Luckily, I have managed to see the major swimming events (YAY TEAM USA!!!). In so doing, I decided to follow a new path in life. I shall become a groupie for the men’s swim team. Have you seen these men? Have you seen how they move in the water? Have you seen how much they respect each other? My plan really consists of me losing about 80 lbs, accidentally almost drowning (which would be more like really drowning because I quit swimming lessons when I was 5 because they were going to make me jump off the diving board and I already hated being under water) and just happening to be at their training facility where I will be saved by one or 5 of the nation’s most talented (and gorgeous) swimmers. One (or 5) of them will undoubtedly fall in love with me and I will become the core of the team–helping them to achieve even more greatness.

Kidding aside (I wasn’t really kidding), I think our athletes are phenomenal and it’s wonderful to see them actualize their dreams. In fact, I’ve actually cried more than once while watching event finals. (The first time was during women’s cycling-it was raining and the roads were windy and hilly and their tires are so narrow! I don’t know how they didn’t all fall. I sort of blame the crying on hormones because I’ve never cared about cycling and don’t find it fun to watch, and I alternated between wanting to punch people and wanting to hug them all day. Still, watching someone accomplish a lifelong goal is pretty amazing.)

I learned that hoping someone wins will not jinx them (I may have been slightly superstitious, but it never stopped me from actively chanting and cheering at my TV. )Ask my parents about this one. They got to watch Saturday night’s events with me. Let’s just say, I get a little edgy and nervous and I hate when the commentators hype and dwell. I just want to slap them and yell “YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE HIM/HER/THEM LOSE! SHUT UP AND TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER!”

Tonight, I saw part of an interview with Michael Phelps and his mother (conducted by Bob Costas.) It was lovely to hear him speak of his appreciation of his mother. Bravo, young Michael, bravo. Just remember, there’s no chocolate in those medals. (call me!)

PS. Alicia Sacramone–you were jipped on vault.

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