Better than GOLD.

Don't you LOVE the Olympics? We turn them on every evening and watch until WAY to late, but we can't help ourselves. After all, what is better than hearing all those awe-inspiring stories? What is better than cheering on the USA? What is better than realizing you live in the best country in the world? Nothing! So we tune in. We cheer, we weep, we outright cry and as we do ... we become part of the Olympic Dream. As I watched the gymnastics All-Around Competition this question entered my mind: "Is there anything BETTER than winning a Gold Medal?" My question was then answered by 3 "Greats" ... Shawn, Darra and Michael. They say "yes".


Let's begin with Shawn Johnson, a member of the USA Women's Gymnastic Team. The team was favored to win the gold and Shawn was favored to take the individual gold in the All-Around ... both times a silver medal was awarded. Yet, Shawn SMILED (unlike the rest of her team mates). When asked how she felt she replied that she only hoped she'd made her coach proud. You see, he was born and raised in China and Shawn wanted to show the Chinese people that he had a good life and was successful in America. For being just 16 years old, it's impressive that Shawn already knows what is better than gold ... HONOR.

Side Note: Did you know that Shawn is the hottest Olympian EVER? That's what I've heard in my house and apparently it is the consensus at football practice too! LOL


Next we have the USA 41 year old swimmer... yes, I did say FORTY-ONE! Darra Torres made an impressive (and I think, brave) move before one of her races. The race was ready to start when she walked away and over to an official. She explained that one of the girls had a rip in her suit. The race was stopped until the girl could change. It made me SMILE because it was so motherly and it made me proud because none of the younger girls dared say anything. The race would have gone on without the other girl had it not been for Darra. She helped a competitor because she knows what is better than gold ... INTEGRITY.

Side Note: Darra is old enough to be the mother of most of the girls she is competing against... WOW. Even more amazing is that she is winning! Go Darra!


Let me wrap it up with, the amazing, Michael Phelps ... soon to be the greatest Olympian in history! Phelps is impressive to any spectator but I was even more impressed (if that is possible) when I heard a story about him the other day. Four years ago at the Olympics in Greece, he had won a few medals and qualified to be in a relay race. He gave up his spot to a fellow teammate so that young man would have a chance to win a medal. Oh, how my heart sang to know that Michael Phelps knows what is better than breaking world records and winning gold medals. He knows that the SELF WORTH of another is better.

Side Note: Did you know that if Michael Phelps was a country, he would be in 3rd place for the most medals won. So fun! So fun! Go Michael!

Our lives will continue to revolve around these Olympics for another week. As they do, I hope my two young competitors will learn that there is something better than that coveted "Gold" ... HONOR, INTEGRITY and SELF-WORTH

will always be more rewarding.

Go USA!