Olympics and such

Why are the Olympics so important? I'm a sports fan, but only in moderation and only when the sport includes baseball, basketball, or football. So why is it that i'm glued to the TV yelling at the US Women's rowing team? Or currently why am i watching men's beach volleyball? I think one of the great successes of the Olympics is that they make sports that aren't normally "high-interest" or "high-grossing" and they make ordinary citizens invested in them. Without the Olympics, we would never hear about Michael Phelps or Shawn Johnson because swimming and gymnastics aren't necessarily "huge" sports outside the Olympics (although they probably should be). Do American families camp out in front of the TV with their hamburgers and other fattening foods to watch the swimming championships? Unless you are an avid swimmer or are obsessed with swimming, most likely not. The Olympics brings different cultures together and allows different athletes to take center stage for once. And, because of this reason Olympic athletes are so relatable. Missy Franklin is 17 and from a small suburb outside Denver. She is 6 foot 1. How is she any different from myself? We see these people fighting for their dream and then living those dream out- and that is what the Olympics are all about (or maybe these sappy commercials are getting to me). Nevertheless, I will still watch Women's kayaking and will cheer on Men's rowing until the 12th when it's all over. Until then, GO USA!

With love, 

Natasha