The land of Evergreens, mountains, and water—above and below—the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and for kicks, Alaska and Hawaii) has tech giants and bountiful produce, but what else have we raised? Our region is also home to some of the world’s top athletes. As many of you are well aware, 2016 marks another year for the athletic competition known as the Olympics. The pinnacle of supersportdom, the Olympics originated in ancient Greece, and resurged in the late 19th century. Now every 4 years, athletes gather from around the globe in a primed city, to affirm who indeed is the best of the best.
Last year’s Olympics were held in London, England. 10,500 athletes participated in 302 medal events, spanning 26 sports; the Paralympics featured 4,237 athletes, 503 medal events, and 20 sports. But on August 13th, 2012 (and September 10th, respectively), the day after closing ceremonies, the long and winding journey to Rio de Janeiro began. It is now 8 months away, with the games set to begin on August 5th (September 7th for US Para). And for all promising athletes the road has become even more narrow! They’ve got to be ready… and now is the perfect time to start supporting them, and documenting their preparative performances. It’s an exciting and complex event, and God-willing, we’ll have a few local favorites to cheer on! London’s Olympics were described as “happy and glorious”–what will be said of Rio?
Quest for gold! Quest for gold! In the past, I have played against Olympians and I can say that they are amazing! Unstoppable, and sure to lift you higher. What does it take to become an Olympian? Founder of the modern Olympic games, Pierre de Coubertin, states, “If someone were to ask for the recipe for ‘becoming Olympic,’ I would say that the first prerequisite is to be joyful.”
Reigning Olympic champion, Michael Phelps, says, “Nothing is impossible. With so many people saying it couldn’t be done, all it takes is an imagination.” Sounds as simple as being young at heart, doesn’t it?
A goofball Olympian from the southeast region, Ryan Lochte, makes up different words in his spare time (which is in AutoCorrect), “Move the g and add a J and put the A before the H and put the E in front of that and that[‘]s a JEAH just had to simplify it for you #Jeah.” The sky is the limit; what new heights can these athletes reach–this year–this Olympics? There is no time like the present, so all of our athletes’ prowess must be peaking for this quadrennial, nationally televised, 2-week event. Like opera singers on opening night, they must be ready for the show. Following is a list of the Northwest’s reigning medalists from London, to whet your appetite:
Washington
Hope Solo, Richland: Soccer—2008 and ’12 gold.
Nathan Adrian, Bremerton: Swimming—3 golds and 1 silver (100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle and medley relay) ’08 and ’12.
Marti Malloy, Oak Harbor: Bronze, judo, women’s 57 kg.
Courtney Thompson, Kent: won a silver medal with the women’s indoor volleyball team.
Adrienne Martelli, University Place: Bronze, rowing, women’s quadruple sculls.
Jennie Reed, Kirkland: Silver, women’s track cycling team pursuit.
Scott Hogsett, Spokane: 2 bronze medals, Wheelchair Rugby.
Katie Holloway, Lake Stevens: back-to-back silvers in 2008 and 2012, Sitting Volleyball.
Jeff Skiba, Sammamish (my hometown!): 2008 gold and 2012 silver in high jump.
Oregon
Bend is in fact home to 24-yr-old, decathlon winner, Ashton Eaton, a feat that hadn’t been done since Bruce Jenner in 1976. I have to inform that the decathlon encompasses:
100 meters.
Long jump.
Shot put.
High jump.
400 meters.
110-meter hurdles.
Discus throw.
Pole vault.
Javelin throw.
1,500 meters.
Phew! That is certainly prowess.
Galen Rupp is from Portland and took home the silver in the 10,000m.
Jennifer Armbruster, Portland: 3 medals, including a gold in 2008 Beijing, Goalball.
David Wagner, Hillsboro: 6 medals total, including 3 doubles golds in 2004, ’08, and ’12, Wheelchair Tennis.
Boise, Idaho
Kurt Felix, decathlete, for Grenada.
Kristin Armstrong, Time Trial Cycling, back-to-back golds in 2008 and 2012 (most decorated cyclist in U.S. History).
Nicholas Symmonds, 800m (PR’d at London).
Muffy Davis, Sun Valley: nominated for 2013 Best Female Athlete with a Disability ESPY Award; 3 golds in 2012—team relay, individual time trial, individual road race, Cycling… Has she met Kristin Armstrong? And what about Lance Armstrong?
Alaska
Corey Cogdell-Unrein, Palmer: Bronze in trap shooting in Beijing ’08, competed in London, and is still actively pursuing gold in Rio.
Janay DeLoach Soukup, Eielson AFB: Bronze medal in women’s long jump in London.
Seth McBride, Juneau: 2008 gold and 2012 bronze, Wheelchair Rugby.
That’s it for today! Stay tuned for more news on active, local U.S. athletes, and their #RoadtoRio2016!
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