Olympics 2012: A Fortnight of Memories (Joy in Repetition Rewarded)

And just like that, the 2012 London Olympics are over and done. A fortnight (two weeks for us non-London folks) has passed and memories have been forged in time. I've already done extensive pieces on my favorite moments so I'll leave you with quick hits on a few more.

Kirani James's win in the 400m. The 1st ever gold medal for Grenada. A 19 year old kid with the weight of an entire country on his shoulders and he carried it proudly.

My dude Cullen Jones racked up two more medals. A silver in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay and his first individual medal - silver in the 50 freestyle.

Cuba's Felix Sanchez wins the 400m hurdles and sheds tears for his late grandmother. I almost wanted to hug him as he bawled during his national anthem. 

Congrats Gabby Douglas!

Fly Gabby Fly!!!

 

If pictures say a 1,000 words, then I have nothing more to write. Watch Dominique Dawes, the only other Black gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal, share beautifully and emotionally why Gabby's win is so poignant for her and, among other, future gymnasts of color.

Folks will talk about the hair dilemma and I won't join the chorus because it's sad on a few levels. 1) The wrong folks will pontificate, 2) it exposed private conversations that never should've been said or taken as hating (unless it was said in self-hate), 3)  4) it reminds me of India.Arie's song "I Am Not My Hair" - "Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person."

I'll also let folks speak on how NBC and others, while praising her, has tried to do a disservice to her accomplishments. Please read those links because even in spite of history, some will still not give full credit where it's due. I saw it in 2010 where they barely gave Black speedskater Shani Davis credit for repeating as an Olympic gold medalist.

Here at the Gumbo, I salute the 16 year old dynamo out of Virginia and her historical achievements. The first Black gymnast to win two gold medals. The first Black gymnast to win the all-around competition. An unashamed Christian who gives credit to God for her poise and skill. A product of a beautiful Black family that supports her (including her Army veteran father) and a great host family that took care of her when she followed her dreams.

This is what the Olympics is about. Joy In Repetition paying off (word to Prince).

Love Gabby's mother throwing up the fist. Her tears and joy have been beautiful.

Since it's in London, I'll paraphrase one of England's best bands. Shine On, You Beautiful Diamond

2012 Olympics: What I'm Looking Forward To

The Olympics start today in London and I'm already excited to see what shakes out this time around. Mainly I'm looking forward to see how the first Summer Games is captured in this new social media age. I saw the intrigue and fun from the 2010 Winter Games but now it's going to be even more fun to see the tweets, posts and interaction all around the world.

As far as the Games itself, this is what I'm checking for.