Olympics Filling the Gap

As I sit on my couch watching hour 10+ of the Olympics over the past few days, I realized the impeccable timing of these winter games in Vancouver. The most difficult time of the sports year for me, is the gap between the Superbowl and the beginning of March Madness (this year, being a UConn basketball fan, the gap between the Superbowl and Opening Day). These Olympic games thrill me with the highest level of competition and entertainment and the element of national pride only increases my interest.

Throughout my entire life, I have been a fan of the USA. Not just a fan of the country I was born and raised, but a slightly obsessive member of the USA athletics fan club. When it comes to the Olympics, I become an bandwagon fan of anyone wearing the red, white and blue, even if I don’t care for the sport or have never heard the athlete’s name before (which happens quite often). These athletes are representing my country at the highest level of international competition.

Every 4 years, the Winter Olympics combine my national pride with my sports obsession and make me a crazed fan. In order to win a Olympic event, the competitors need to perform at the highest level in order to qualify for a final. These athletes devote their lives to a sport and prepare for their one opportunity on the world’s biggest stage. What is their not to like about the Winter games?

The 2 weeks of these Olympics provide a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the MLB off-season. Having spent several months, since October specifically, thinking and analyzing the Red Sox and previewing the 2010 season, it is surprisingly refreshing to put it out of my mind, even if just for a few days. Everyone needs time to refresh, whether it be from work, home or sports, in order to keep the passion and excitement alive.

In that mindset, I have been 100% engrossed in the Olympic coverage since Friday night in order to refresh myself for the upcoming marathon that is the MLB baseball season. On Thursday, pitchers and catchers will report to Fort Myers and a few days later, the rest of the team will join them. Once the full-team training begins, the work will not stop until October, or hopefully November, for everyone associated with the Red Sox program.

As I refresh myself for the marathon that is ahead, I get the opportunity to enjoy competition and support a group of 216 athletes all vying for their chance to bring home some Olympic hardware. Good luck to team USA, your country is supporting you.