My winter Olympic memories go way back. Black and white TV. Skating was done outside. Most winter events were outside. I remember watching skaters do compulsory figure 8s, following a track on the ice. I watched Peggy Fleming. She was amazing. I watched 13-year-old Stephanie Westerfield skate in the 1962 World Championship after the entire ’61 USA Olympic skating team was killed in a plane crash. I watched Jean-Claude Killy ski. He was fast!
In recent years I’ve come to love curling and snowboarding, certainly nothing I grew up with.
It was Jim McKay and the Wide World of Sports every Saturday afternoon that brought more than sports into our living rooms on television. He gave us the Olympics. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” became a hallmark for sports, and the Olympics.
I was glued, and have been since childhood. There have been so many wonderful Olympic events. Hubby and I were in New York with friends in 1980. They tried to get us tickets to the USA hockey game, but the day before our friend was at a game and reached up to catch a puck. Ouch. We watched that game on TV. Yes, it was Miracle on Ice.
The Olympics have always had a profound effect on me. It’s more than sports; it’s countries competing together in an air of unity. It’s fierce competition, balanced with respect and friendship. This should be a roadmap for the world.
For example, when USA played Denmark in men’s ice hockey this week, at the end of the game the Denmark players all shook hands with the referees. Wow.
And the Scandinavian countries that are ruling the roost in the Olympics? I’m not surprised. Outdoors is their favorite place to be, unlike many Americans, especially children. They outrank America in education because from childhood they are outside and physically active, which stimulates the brain and learning. Win-Win for them!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
It’s good to have this healthy tradition bringing athletes together, setting examples of excellence.
I too love the Olympics for the very same reasons. I have been lucky enough to have lived in two host cities, Calgary 1988 and Vancouver 2010. What amazing times. The spirit, the comradery, the excitement, the pride. It was contagious.
This post brought back so many memories. I remember listening to the hockey game on the radio and the excitement of the final minute. And who could ever forget Jim McKay and the wild world of sports, it occupied every Saturday for me as well. Thanks, Jennie.
Im very fond of ice skating, and have watched some this year, good to see everyone united for a change!
Loved this post, Jennie. I used to watch the Olympics years ago but for some reason stopped. I think there was too much controversy for awhile. I remember some of the same things. I think you have a point about Scandinavian countries having their children outside more. I don’t remember getting to be outside much at all in school anywhere. It does make a difference. Good sportsmanship is rare around here.
Like you, I love watching the Olympics and have nostalgic memories from childhood. It’s fun to see the former Olympians I have watched over the years in the stands cheering on this generation.