Stuff I Love About the Olympics

I am not generally a sports-watcher. I might tune in when the home team (in my case, the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, or Bruins) is in whatever finals race applies, and I might pay attention for a few minutes if someone in the house is watching sports and acting excited, but I am NOT, by any means, a "sports fan."

But I love the Olympics. Maybe it's that it's only every four years. Maybe it's the exotic locations. Maybe it's the oddball sports that you never see otherwise. Maybe it's the personal, human interest stories they throw in. Maybe it's the spirit of international and national unity. Whatever it is, every four years, you will find me watching sports I have never seen and do not understand, cheering for people I've never heard of. 

I may not be able to tell you exactly WHY I love the Olympics, but I can tell you WHAT I love about the Olympics. It's this:

1) The Spectacle of the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremonies are designed to highlight the host country: to celebrate its culture and history. They often draw on references that mystify the rest of the world, but that their own nation understands. They are often, in a word, weird. I remember the opening ceremonies in 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway, featuring odd little troll-like creatures popping out from holes and nooks and peeking around in a rather disturbing fashion. Or London in 2012, when "Queen Elizabeth" and "James Bond" (okay, their stunt doubles) plummeted into the stadium with Union Jack parachutes. Paris was added to the "weird" list in 2024 with its bubble-gum-pink giant paper-mache-headed people, its wall of beheaded Marie Antoinettes, and its drag queens depicting a bacchanal celebration. 

Sometimes they're not intentionally weird, but something goes wrong, like the fifth Olympic ring that refused to open in Sochi in 2014. 

Or the "Great Dove Calamity" in Seoul in 1988, when the doves representing peace were released but some of them settled on the torch instead of gracefully flying around the arena, and were then burned alive when the torch was lit. Or the awkwardness in Vancouver in 2010 when four athletes were intended to light the torch simultaneously, but only 3 of the 4 columns raised, leaving one of the four athletes standing around with nothing to light. 

But amidst the weirdness is incredible beauty and celebration of humanity. Like the archer lighting the torch in Barcelona in 1992. Or Muhammad Ali lighting it in Atlanta in 1996. The 2008 drummers in Beijing in 2008. The pioneers dancing to Copland's "Rodeo" in Salt Lake in 2002. Sochi's gorgeous lighted troika pulling the sun in 2014. 

2) The National Team Uniforms

The outfits worn by each country as they make their grand entrance during the opening ceremony are an opportunity to show off both team and national pride. The US team is often obnoxiously 'Murrican in cowboy looks (such as Lake Placid in 1980 and Sarajevo in 1984) and more red, white, and blue than the flag itself (such as Sochi 2014, Vancouver in 2010, and Rio in 2016). For some reason, the Americans also favor every type of hat under the sun: straw (Rome 1960), knit beanies (Innsbruck 1976, Vancouver 2010, Beijing 2022), cowboy hats (Nagano 1998, in addition to Lake Placid and Sarajevo), fedoras (Albertville 1992), tams and berets (Salt Lake 2002, London 2012), even scally caps (Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008). 

To be fair, many other nations also exhibit national pride in their heritage with details of cultural significance from traditional dress. Some countries opt for almost complete traditional looks, or at least outfits based very closely on traditional dress (Kenya in Tokyo 2021, India in London 2012, Cameroon in London 2012). Many tropical and island nations favor vivid colors, such as Barbados (Paris 2024), Vanuatu (Tokyo 2021), and Mexico (London 2012).

Of course, there are always a few duds that make you wonder what the designer was thinking:  Australia's Sydney 2000 mishmash of a yellow check blouse, dark red zippered jacket, and loden skirt topped with a cross-body bag with a wide strap that looked like a shiny gray seatbelt; Canada's Barcelona 1992 ensemble that paired a yellow t-shirt with full shorts and matching overshirt in an obnoxiously busy multi-colored print (although the accompanying white straw hat was fantastic); and the Hungarian women's Beijing 2008 dresses and hats, which were supposed to be a red-on-white floral print but tended to look more like splotches of blood. 

Sweden's "Where's Waldo?" look from London 2012

3) The Commentators

Commentator Rupert Cox, who got me enjoying rugby

As a non-sports-fan, I rely on the commentators to explain to me in layman's terms how the various sports are scored, what the rules are, what I'm seeing at the moment, etc. An enthusiastic commentator who is able to explain what's happening even while losing their mind over something unusual or exciting that's going on is worth their weight in gold. Case in point: Rupert Cox, the Australian commentator for the rugby match in Paris 2024, had me on the edge of my seat despite not even knowing which two teams were playing or whether the teams were striving for a "goal," "basket," "wicket," or "googly." (Spoiler: It's a "try.") Because it was "SUDDEN DITH!!" (A charming accent is always a plus. As is a fabulous name like "Rowdy Gaines" or "Elfie Schlagel".) 

Rugby, epee and sabre, canoeing and kayaking, water polo, handball, judo, equestrian - all events I wouldn't generally choose to watch, but which I will both watch and enjoy, given the right commentator. 

4) The Underdogs

In my mind, there are two types of underdogs: the ones who come in as underdogs, knowing that they're probably not in contention for a medal, but striving to reach their personal best; and the athletes who might or might not be on the cusp of medal contention who step in at the last minute for an injured or ill teammate, or who just step up to the plate, and absolutely kill it. 

Paris 2024 has a prime example of the latter in Steven "the Nerd" Nedoroscik, aka "Pommel Horse Guy", aka "Clark Kent", the bespectacled (I think I'm legally required to include that as part of his title) US gymnast who specializes in - surprise! - the pommel horse. 

Nedoroscik was the last among his teammates to perform during the men's team competition. And boy, did he ever kill it, scoring high enough to bring the team a bronze medal, the first men's gymnastics team Olympic medal since 2008. The fact that he is charming, adorable, and absolutely embraces his own nerdiness is simply the icing on the underdog cake. 

5) The Underqualified Competitors

I suppose you could consider this a subclass of the underdog: an under-under-underdog, if you will. Every now and then, we see a competitor who, frankly, doesn't belong at the Olympics. They're outclassed, out-trained, out-funded, and often out-talented by the other competitors. But they have heart and drive and determination that is exhilarating to watch - in addition to being a good comparison for how unbelievably phenomenal the other competitors are. 

Some of the most well-known of these have been Michael David Edwards, aka "Eddie the Eagle", a ski jumper from England who competed in Calgary in 1988; and the Jamaican bobsled team at the same games, whose story was later made into the movie Cool Runnings. Lesser-known entrants in this category include Eric Moussambani, aka "Eric the Eel", a swimmer from Equatorial Guinea who swam the slowest 100-meter swim in Olympic history in Sydney in 2000; or Liz Swaney, an American halfpipe competitor who competed for Hungary in PyeongChang in 2018, who basically did a run down the hill without attempting any "tricks" other than gentle 180s at the sides of the pipe. 

6) The Random Memorable Moments

A huge event like the Olympics is bound to have some unexpected, interesting, funny, or poignant moments.  The most memorable of those unexpected moments in Paris - thus far - has to be the appearance of "Bob the Swim Cap Diver Guy."

In case you missed it, prior to a swimming race, officials noticed an object at the bottom of the pool, which turned out to be a swim cap that had fallen in and sunk. They needed to clear it before the next race could begin, so enter Bob, one of the lifeguards on duty at the venue. He marched out with his dad bod and vivid floral Speedo on display, dived in, and retrieved the cap so the Games could continue. He chose to remain anonymous, but he's one of my favorite stars of this Olympics. 

Past Memorable Moments include Kerri Strug vaulting on a nearly-broken ankle in Atlanta in 1996, the London 2012 US swim team's lip dub of "Call Me Maybe", Greg Louganis hitting his head on the diving board during the 3m springboard in Seoul in 1988 (and coming back to win that gold medal anyway, plus another gold in the 10m platform), and in Los Angeles in 1984 when Swiss marathoner Gabriela Anderson-Schiess missed a water station and began to stagger from dehdration in the heat near the finish line, but waved off assistance from medical personnel so she could finish the race without being disqualified, literally collapsing as the crossed the line. All unexpected and truly memorable moments, for good or ill. 

7) The Awesome Human Interest Stories

Human interest is at the heart of the Olympics. Yes, these are all amazing athletes who have worked unbelievably hard for years to get where they've gotten. But there are always a few who have had a little more difficult path to their Olympic games, whether it's injuries, finances, family issues, or whatever. I love hearing the stories that make the athletes feel just a little more real, a little more like one of us. 

Stories from past Olympics that stand out in my mind include Rulon Gardner, an American wrestler who struggled with both a learning disability and physical recovery from a snowmobile accident and who defeated the long-undefeated, 3-time gold medalist, Soviet great Aleksandr Karelin; Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio at age 12 and won three Olympic gold medals for running in Rome in 1960, only 8 years later. In Rio 2016, after the British government cut funding for the country's BMX racing team, Bethany Shriever got herself to the Olympics using crowdfunding and getting a part-time job while training full time, winning a gold medal. Perhaps my favorite human interest story from the Olympics is from Tokyo in 2020, when two high-jumpers, Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy, tied for gold and were offered a "jump off" to determine the winner. But instead, the two agreed to share the gold medal. 

8) The Unexpected Wins - and Losses

Going into the Olympics, there are always certain athletes who it is assumed will come home with a medal, as well as a world or at least Olympic record. Some of those will fulfill those assumptions; others will unexpectedly crash and burn. And occasionally, a dark horse athlete will suddenly burst out of the crowd and land on the medal stand. 

As an American, my first thought for this category is, of course, the famous "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid in 1980 when the US hockey team, composed of talented amateurs, took on the professional Soviet team, which had won four gold medals, and WON. "Do you believe in miracles?", indeed. 

But there are plenty of other stories like that one. In Tokyo in 2020, a Tunisian swimmer named Ahmed Hafnaoui barely qualified for the 400m freestyle, but when the time for the "real" race came, Hafnaoui outswam the rest of the field for the gold medal. In PyeongChang in 2018, Czech skier Ester Ledecka borrowed a pair of skis and took the gold medal in the Alpine Super-G away from favored contender Anna Veith. A ways further back, in Tokyo in 1964, an unknown American runner named Billy Mills dogged the frontrunners throughout the 10,000m race, then put on an incredible burst of speed at the end to claim the gold medal.  

And then there are the favored athletes who just don't quite make the grade when it comes to the big dance. The example that jumps to my mind is one where one of the most lauded athletes didn't even make it to the Games: In 1992, decathletes Dan O'Brien and Dave Johnson starred together in a series of Reebok commercials leading up to the Olympics. But world champion O'Brien failed to make the Olympic team, and then Johnson developed a stress fracture in his foot, still competing in Barcelona, but settling for bronze instead the anticipated gold. In Beijing in 2008, Lolo Jones was favored to win the 100m hurdles, but fell back to seventh place after hitting the second-to-last hurdle. The gold medalist was her teammate Dawn Harper, who had barely qualified for the team. 

9) The Glamour Shots of the Venues

Many of the venues are built specifically for the Olympic Games, and many are built to be beautiful as well as functional. 

The "Bird's Nest" stadium in Beijing, 2008

The "Water Cube" National Aquatics Center, Beijing 2008

Kallimarmaro, the 4th-century stadium in Athens used during the first 
modern Olympics in 1896 and again in 2004

The retractable roof of the Sydney 2000 Stadium Australia

The Dunc Gray Velodrome, Sydney 2000

The Berlin Olympic Stadium, Berlin 1936

Maracana Stadium, Rio 2016

Estadi Olimpic, Lluis Companys, Barcelona 1992

Iceberg Skating Palace, Sochi 2014

10) The Closing Ceremony

Not much of note happens during the closing ceremonies; there is usually a "sneak peek" at the next country to host, and someone from the IOC says a few words, blah blah blah. But what I love is the flood of athletes from all the nations entering together, no divisions by country or even sport,  just a bunch of athletes who have just experienced one of the most exhilarating moments of their lives, celebrating their own and each others' achievements. That, to me, is the truest spirit of the Games. 

  

Six-Month Weight Loss Followup

If you are a regular reader of my blog (or my Facebook page), you are aware that I began a serious weight loss journey this past January. My goal was to get down from my initial weight of just around 180 pounds to the 148 pounds that I weighed for a number of years after my kids were born, and possibly even down to the 138 pounds that I weighed throughout my 30s. As of April, I had reached the 148-pound mark and was working on figuring out a maintenance diet plan, and possibly continuing to lose a few more pounds, with the aim of getting down to 138 pounds. 

I've now spent about 3 months on my maintenance/"creep down" diet plan, and I'm pleased to say that my weight has, indeed, continued to slowly creep down. My current weight is 141 pounds, and I'm confident that over the next few months, I'll be able to reach my secondary goal of 138 pounds - and, more importantly, maintain that weight for the long term. 

I think that the most important parts of my maintenance plan are that I've continued to write down everything I eat, and that I still record my weight daily. Both of those steps help me to see my overall eating pattern and quickly notice if either my weight or my eating choices are falling back into unhealthy territory. My weight did jump up a few pounds right away when I began a "maintenance" diet, but because of my tracking, I was able to revise my habits very quickly, and continue a slow but (generally) steady downward trend. 

It's nice to know that this trend can withstand a few days of overindulgence (the recent bump up was the result of a family wedding and multiple related celebrations, during which I allowed myself alcohol, rich foods, and desserts that I would otherwise have skipped). It would be easy to be frustrated by those minor upticks, but because I can see my long-term pattern, I know that a few added pounds can be quickly counteracted with discipline and determination. 

My continued rewards are still improved health on multiple fronts, increased physical stamina, and simply looking and feeling better in general. And that is the best motivation of all!

Summer Dishes Featuring Fresh Herbs

One of my favorite parts of summer is my garden, and one of my favorite parts of my garden is the fresh herbs. Even if you don't have room for an outdoor garden, herbs are easily grown indoors in pots, and even if you can't be bothered to grow your own herbs, fresh herbs are inexpensive and bountiful in your local supermarket all summer long. But what do you use them for? Here are some of my favorite summer recipes that feature all kinds of fresh herbs.

Creamy Tortellini with Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or tenderloins), sliced
Salt, to taste
Paprika (or smoked paprika), to taste
1 pkg (20 oz) frozen or refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 Tbsp butter (or olive oil, or a combination)
2 tsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp onion powder
1-1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% is best)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 (14-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups (packed) baby spinach
3 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper
1/2 cup shredded or grated parmesan, plus extra for serving

Heat butter (and/or olive oil) in a large frypan over high heat. Place sliced chicken in pan (do not crowd) and sprinkle with salt and paprika. Cook for several minutes, then flip and cook other side until well-browned. While chicken is cooking, prepare tortellini according to package directions, then drain and set aside. When chicken is fully cooked, remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Return pan to medium heat and add garlic, flour, and onion powder, whisking constantly. Cook for about a minute. Combine milk and cream and gradually whisk in until smooth, then allow to come to a simmer. Allow to thicken slightly, then add tomatoes, spinach, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer to desired thickness. Add drained tortellini and chicken, stirring to coat. Add a little milk, cream, or pasta water if needed. Serve warm with additional parmesan. 

Grilled Herbed Potatoes

 2 lbs small potatoes, scrubbed and halved or quartered (depending on size)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, or whatever you have on hand)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish, if desired

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except parsley, and toss well to coat. Cut 4 large pieces of heavy duty foil and place 1/4 of potatoes in the center of each. Fold into an enveloped and seal tightly. Cook on a grill at medium-high heat for 20-30 minutes, turning once. Remove from grill and open packet. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. 

Chicken Caprese Skillet

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1-1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
4 tsp minced garlic
4 cups chopped tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes)
1/4 tsp dried thyme
Balsamic glaze
4 oz mozzarella pearls, or 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or chiffonaded

Pound chicken breasts to about a 1/2-inch thickness between layers of plastic wrap. Sprinkle chicken with 3/4 tsp salt and1/4 tsp pepper, sprinkling both sides. In a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp oil. Add chicken breasts and allow to cook for about 4 minutes, until lightly browned. Flip and cook for 3 additional minutes, or until cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the remaining Tbsp of oil to the same pan, reduce heat to medium, swirl to coat, then add the red onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and cook another minute. Add tomatoes, thyme, remaining salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of balsamic glaze, increase heat back to medium-high, and cook until tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Return chicken to pan, nestling among tomatoes, and scatter mozzarella over. Cover the pan, remove from heat, and allow to stand for several minutes, until mozzarella softens. Uncover, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil leaves. Serve warm. 

Herbed Dinner Rolls

6 Tbsp butter, divided
3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup water
4-1/2 cups flour, divided
1/4 cup instant potato flakes
1 Tbsp rapid-rise yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp fresh chopped rosemary (or 1/2 Tbsp dried) - or whatever you have on hand
3 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley (or 1-1/2 Tbsp dried), divided
1 egg, room temperature
1-2 tsp minced garlic

Place 4 Tbsp butter, milk, and water in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and microwave on high for 1 minute. Continue to heat in 10-15 second intervals until warm to the touch. In a large bowl, stir together 4 cups flour, potato flakes, yeast, sugar, salt, garlic powder, rosemary, and 2 Tbsp parsley. Using an electric mixer with dough hooks on a low setting, beat in egg, then slowly drizzle in milk mixture. When combined, increase speed to medium and mix until dough pulls away from the bowl, adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as needed. Form dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. While dough is resting, preheat oven to 180 degrees, with rack in center of oven, and spray a 9x13" pan with nonstick spray. 

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 15-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter, slice dough into 12 or 16 even pieces. Fold the seams in and roll into smooth balls, then arrange in prepared pan with seams underneath. Use a pastry brush to moisten the tops of the rolls with water. Turn the oven OFF and place rolls on center oven rack and allow to rise for 20 minutes. DO NOT OPEN OVEN during rising. Remove from oven and preheat to 375, then bake for 18-22 minutes, until tops are golden. 

While rolls are baking, prepare garlic butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining 2 Tbsp butter and minced garlic. When the butter is completely melted, add remaining 1 Tbsp parsley and a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Remove from heat and brush the tops of the rolls with garlic butter when they come out of the oven. Best served warm!

Compound Butter (Excellent on steak, fish, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob or other fresh vegetables)

1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (any herb or combination of herbs)

Combine butter and herbs in a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a heavy spoon. When well combined, form into a log and seal tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, then slice and place on hot salmon, steaks, or vegetables. 

Suggestions: dill on salmon or corn on the cob; mint on lamb; rosemary and sage on chicken; rosemary, thyme, and garlic on steak; chive on baked or mashed potatoes; thyme and sage on carrots.

Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta

1 baguette
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup fresh ricotta
zest of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp basil leaves, shredded
honey, for drizzling

Preheat broiler. Slice baguette and lay out slices on a baking tray. Broil for about a minute until lightly toasted. Flip slices over, drizzle with olive oil, and broil other side until lightly browned. Stir lemon zest into ricotta and spread on toasted bread slices. Sprinkle with basil, then drizzle with honey. 

Apple and Whipped Feta Wheels

2 medium sweet apples (Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp)
1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped 
1/4 cup feta cheese
1/4 cream cheese (regular or low fat)
1 tsp lemon juice, plus extra to brush apples
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp honey, plus more for drizzling
fresh thyme

Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet until lightly toasted and fragrant. Set aside to cool. Combine feta, cream cheese, 1 tsp lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 tsp honey in a blender or using a hand mixer. Core apples and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Brush with diluted lemon juice to prevent browning. Spread each slice with the feta mixture, then top with toasted hazelnuts, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of honey.

Cranberry Brie Bites

1 (8-oz) tube crescent roll dough
4 oz Brie
1/2 can whole berry cranberry sauce*
1/4 cup chopped pecans
rosemary sprigs

Preheat oven to 375 and lay out 24 mini muffin cup liners in a 9x13" pan. On a lightly floured board, roll out the crescent roll dough slightly, pressing together diagonal scores. Use a pizza cutter to cut into 24 squares (4x8). Press a square of dough into each muffin cup, then top with a small chunk of Brie and a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with pecans and place a small sprig of rosemary on each. Bake for 15 minutes, or until dough is golden brown. 

* You can also use seedless raspberry jam, orange marmalade, or any other kind of jam or preserves. Try different herbs with different flavors!

And, of course, let's not forget how lovely herbs are in cocktails (and mocktails)!

Rosemary Bourbon Bliss

2 oz bourbon
3 oz lemonade
1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
Rosemary sprig

In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine bourbon, lemonade, and elderflower liqueur and shake well. Hold the sprig of rosemary in a flame for a few seconds, then drop into a chilled martini glass and pour cocktail over. 

Madison Avenue

1-1/2 oz light rum
3/4 oz triple sec
1/2 oz lime juice
dash orange bitters
3-4 fresh mint leaves

Place the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Add remaining ingredients and shake well. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with additional mint leaves and/or a wedge of lime. 

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Garnish lemonade, iced tea, or a combination with mint, basil, or thyme sprigs.

Mock Mule: Ginger beer with a splash of lime juice, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Herbed seltzer: Garnish lemon seltzer with mint or basil; lime seltzer with mint or thyme; strawberry-watermelon seltzer with mint or thyme.

 

Happy Herbing!