Day 3 in Beijing
August 10th, 2008
Well after watching the first day of swimming, all I can say is Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer that has ever lived!! I know he only has the first of hopefully 8 gold medals that he hopes to get this week, but he certainly did it in style. To crush his own world record again for the 4th time in 4 years is incredible. To dominate the world competition in the decathlon of swimming, the 400 IM, is astounding. Okay, I just had to say that!
One of the fun things to see around the Olympics is the Mascots. Normally there is one but this time there is 5 mascots. These characters are called the “Friendlies” . They are designed to symbolize a close circle of friends and emulate the playfulness of children and are closely tied to the art and culture of China. They also match the 5 colors of the Olympic rings. Four of the characters are the most popular Chinese animals- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow, and the fifth one is the Olympic Flame. 
When walking around the very hot and humid weather here one needs to get a drink. And the most popular drink in China is tea. Visiting a tea house in China, though, is a whole different experience. It’s used primarily for business meeting and special occasions but you have to drink the right tea at the right time. Green tea is prepared in the hot season for people to cool down, while black tea is enjoyed in the winter to warm up the body. In China, tea is regarded as one of the seven daily necessities, the others being-firewood, rice(of course), oil, salt, soy sauce and vinegar.
What do you think America’s daily necessities be? Mine would be cereal, books, Mexican food, time with my family, air conditioning, a nap, and the last one, yes, you guessed it…a pool!!! I would go crazy if I couldn’t get wet. What are your daily needs?
If you included the Olympic sponsors like McDonalds, Coke, Nike and a VISA credit card I know they would be happy about that. As much as we may not need to consume those products we do need them as corporate sponsors. The American athletes are not supported by the government like most countries. The US Oympic Committee takes the sponsors money and issues monthly stipends to the athletes to they can train. So it is actually private businesses and individuals who help send America’s best to the Games. In addition to donations from family and friends there have been some great companies who have helped me personally
train for the Olympics. You guessed it–one of the great sponsors is Mutual of Omaha! So Mutual of Omaha…thanks for making it possible for so many of our USA Swimmers to be the very best!
Who has helped you this year get better? Is there someone who drives you to school, workout or the library? Is there someone who has helped you become a better swimmer, student or reader? Be sure to thank that person today. Thanks for checking in and reading the blog.
So keep swimming and enjoying your summer! I can’t wait to write about the men’s 4 X 100 relay.
Come back for more…
Check out my Chinese 101 lesson.
