Olympic Dreams

"Whistler II"

Oil on canvas panel.

$350.00 framed

I painted this painting a while ago and it seemed like a good one to post after watching the Opening Ceremonies last night. I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics and as a kid I always dreamed of swimming in the Olympics. Of course I had absolutely no chance of fulfilling that dream but thirty years later I came close when we were able to watch my son compete at the Olympic Trials (in swimming). The Olympic Trials were the single best sporting event I have attended in my lifetime.

Although yesterday's Opening Ceremonies were clouded with tragedy, just watching the hopeful expressions of the athletes and knowing what they had to accomplish to get there was amazing. Many years of determination, hard work and dedication all come down to what happens in the next two weeks. There is one thing about the Winter Games that I don't like ... too many of the events can result in defeat with a mere fall ... skiing, figure skating, speed skating, snowboarding, ski jumping, etc. In one second, with a mere slip in concentration, the most talented athlete can be out of the Olympics.

Whereas in the Summer Games it is highly unlikely that the fastest swimmer or runner is going to fall (or dive in the water and hit their head on the bottom of the pool!). Usually the most talented athlete finishes on the podium. But with the Winter Games, it's different ... there are too many chances for the great ones to falter. Perhaps that is what makes the Winter Olympics so wonderful. You never know what might happen ...