Rio 2016!

Despite heavy lobbying from even President Obama, Chicago was rejected in it's bid for the 2016 Olympics. Rather, those summer games were awarded to Rio de Janeiro, the first time the Olympic Games will be in South America.

In this country there is a lingering debate whether President Obama should have gone to Copenhagen, Denmark, to lobby for his hometown. After it was announced Rio won the bid, a pundit who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum from President Obama commented that it is appropriate for a President to advocate for commercial interests in his country. And I would agree with that. Unfortunately, the Olympics have been reduced to a commercial interest.

Having been the the summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984, and watching every single Olympiad since birth, I will say they continue to be amazing events where once every four years, for two weeks, the world is able to stop and glorify amazing feats of athleticism. Despite all the corporate sponsorships and mega-money made by athletes from endorsements, the events are still able to capture our collective imaginations. Now I find myself watching the less glamorous events, such as the equestrian, where rider and animal become one, gliding over jumps, trying to match grace and time. But of course, like every other sports junkie, I can not resist Michael Phelps or Dana Torres, the amazing marathoners or the bikini clad beach volleyball spikers.

I can not wait to watch the opening ceremonies from Rio. Congratulations!