Phelps
Sunday August 17th 2008, 12:04 pm
Filed under: Non-Knitting

I didn’t join up with Ravelympics in part because–well, we don’t even own a TV.

But last night we were visiting friends, and the friends’ kids wanted to watch Michael Phelps win his eighth gold: the TV got turned on.  NBC was of course not saying when the swim meet was going to be shown–they weren’t about to let people TIVO it.  We saw the Romanian woman break from the pack and get far, far ahead of the crowd of marathoners, and I was glad to see in the paper this morning that she did indeed win.

So I’m sure you all know all this already, and that you saw it while I only got to read about it: but.  Phelps won his eighth, and when the reporter asked him how he felt about it, he answered, “I just want to see my mom.” And then he threw his arms around his cheering mom and sisters.

And in the interviews, he praised and thanked his teammates, saying he didn’t know them before they all arrived but they were a part of him forever now.  He spoke like Randy Pausch, saying you could dream your dreams and make them happen, encouraging everybody else with his words in whatever dreams they might have. From everything I have read, he was gracious.  He was grateful.

And he honored his mother first, in front of billions of people. He reached for his family’s loving arms for and in affirmation before the camera’s.

(And he’s from my home state of Maryland.)

The man is a bona fide hero.


8 Comments so far
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Okay now I am bawling like a baby!!!!

Comment by grace 08.17.08 @ 5:36 pm

Yup! He sure loves his mama which is so very nice to see. Can’t imagine how proud she is. In the moments following the race, his teammates were very gracious as well. They just pointed to Phelps, saying, “He’s the guy. Amazing.” Great teamwork!
Blessings,
Lisa

Comment by Lisa 08.17.08 @ 7:02 pm

Aw, the guy knows what matters for real. Thanks for the update on the ‘lympics. We don’t & wouldn’t own a tv for love nor money.
Yesterday, the preacher says; years ago after he became a Christian he went home & heard a cuss word on some tv show. He told his wife the tv was leaving.
I like that.

Comment by Toni Smoky-Mountains 08.18.08 @ 4:58 am

He’s amazing. I wasn’t able to watch the race, but I’m glad he won, and I love hearing about his first reaction!

Comment by Jocelyn 08.18.08 @ 8:44 am

I’ve been following Phelps through news headlines and televised highlights due to the time difference. Wish I could have seen a race or two in real time! Like you, what impresses me beyond his heroic talent and hard work is that he remains so humble and sincerely connected to family and friends. (BTW, loved where he said he has to compete in some championship in Rome because his mother wants to see Italy!)

Comment by Lynn 08.18.08 @ 8:51 am

Sniff, sniff… I watched. I cried. The Knight cheered…

Comment by Channon 08.18.08 @ 9:10 am

I didnt get to see the win but that was because I was watching Law and Order and dont have Local Channels where I live. But Congrats is in order for Michael Phelps 🙂

Comment by Danielle from SW MO 08.18.08 @ 9:48 am

What an honor for his mom!!!! I bet she was one happy and proud mom!

Comment by Joansie 08.19.08 @ 5:18 am



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