Backyard Olympics

I love the Olympics, who doesn’t? I think everyone at some point has imagined or dreamed of being an Olympic star. Whether it’s for the awe inspiring self-discipline, the optimal physical form or even if it’s the pure desire to win, to feel what that’s like at that level is what we long for. It’s in each of us, that kind of personal drive and potential. Tapping into it is another story. At any rate, I’ve always enjoyed the Olympics, when the winter Olympics were held in SLC Cameron and I were able to get in on the action and what excitement it was. I only wish they’d hold them here again so that our boys could be apart of it. Not wanting to wait for them to come back this way, I decided to do something about it.

Even though the Olympics are on the other side of the world with modern technology not only are they in our living room they’re in our car, on the subway, in the elevator, at work, well you get the point. However, I have something even better than all of this splendid technology has to offer. I have them in my very own back yard, no really. The Olympics are literally in my back yard and it doesn’t stop there! We were so lucky as to have had the opening ceremony held there too! Seriously, it was an incredible affair to behold.

It went a little something like this. The excitement building as the countdown grew shorter, schedules left open, Olympic embellishments began to garnish the halls and the Olympic spirit was alive and thriving. We gathered together downstairs. Olympic rings hanging above and with great anticipation we held our opening ceremony. A description and background of the Olympics was given. The Olympic motto being “Citius, Altius, Fortius” Latin for ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ (1894 De Coubertin) and later he added “The Most important thing is not to win but to take part”.( I love that. Some of the greatest Olympic stories don’t always come from those who place but from those individuals and those countries that rise against all odds to be a part of the Olympian experience. And it sure fosters good sportsmanship.) Then the boys each picked out their favorite of the Chinese mascots.

We held our Olympic torch high and set it on the mantle as we all marched out the back door into the cool of the evening for the grand events. The weather was perfect a glorious blue sky, golden rays of sunlight setting the mood. Lining up were the highly favored Olympians Everest, Edison, Isaac and Hudson. Everest known for his fierce competitiveness, Edison for his agility, Isaac for his vivacious energy and Hudson, don’t let his size fool you.

Now what we’ve all been waiting for…

“First event to kick off 2008 backyard Olympics is the relay race. Mom sounds off and the race begins, Everest is off like a rocket. Amazing, look at that kid run. He makes it around the house in lightening speed time. Edison in position, bent over one leg in front of the other, head down and hand stretched behind him for the passing of the paper towel baton. Everest slides the baton into his hand flawlessly and Edison snatches the baton up while taking off, rounding the first corner effortlessly and with legs of phenomenal speed. Isaac now waiting for the baton to be placed in his hand you can see the excitement in his face. He is in his element. Edison comes tearing around the final corner of the house and lands the baton square in Isaac’s hand as Isaac tears out of there and off he goes. Little Hudson takes a deep breath steps up to the mark with confidence and waits. Isaac is flying, he’s got sparks under his heels as he comes in behind Hudson and passes the baton dead center in Hudson’s hand. Hudson wraps his fingers tightly around the baton and just as he accelerates slips! Oh my, landing smack on his belly. But, wait he’s up! With no hesitation this kid is up and back in the race. Wow! This kid’s amazing. Look at him go, he just might have a chance at a medal. Oh, wait… he’s taking the lead. Look at those legs go! He’s going for gold….and he takes it! What determination! The Moll team wins the gold! What a team effort, purely unbelievable.”

"With little time to cool down they are in place for the next race, it is a tough line up of events for the evening. However, the Moll boys are up for the challenge, if anyone can pull it off it’s these four young men right here. Next is the 40' sprint to the slide and the 80' sprint to the slide and back followed by the 200' marathon. Then moving into the standing long jump followed by the running long jump (or hop for some). The rest of the night’s lineup proves to deliver excitement and entertainment. What thrills, chills and spills. It doesn’t get any better than that folks. This is athletics at it’s best."

There was a hush among the dandelions as they stepped up to the podium to be awarded their gold medals that night. They stood tall and proud, after all they earned this gold.

World records were broken as each Moll boy took home a dozen or so gold medals. Never before in history has anything remotely come close to what was experienced.

Atferwards, we went inside for a treat only worthy of an Olympian and to relax while watching the ‘other’ Olympic Ceremony kick off. Absolutely stunning in it’s own right but not nearly as exciting or entertaining as was what we just witnessed here in our own backyard.

The Olympic rings still hangs high on our wall. As for the Olympic torch it disappeared somewhere but the Olympic spirit is still burning strong. It’s a race to see who can stay up the latest watching the Olympics every night.