The Olympic games have been an important part of my life since I was a young boy. In my early years, I have great memories of watching the games with my Dad. With him I came to understand the beauty of the Olympic movement. The peaceful gathering of the youth of the world, putting politics aside and competing for the love of the sport.
Over my lift time there have been so many amazing Olympic memories. I love the stark contrast of the Summer games to the Winter games. Sport played on snow and ice. Growing up in Wisconsin winters the idea of world class athletes competing in my winter element was fascinating.
My first Winter Olympic memories come from the 1976 Innsbruck Austria games. I watched in awe as Franz Klammer literally flew down the mountain to win the gold in Mens Downhill. As a 15 year old boy, my first crush was Dorothy Hamill as she won gold in Women's Figure Skating. And finally, as a young Cross Country skier myself, I was inspired by Bill Koch's silver in the Men's 30K Nordic event, the first American ever to medal in what was at the time a very fringe sport.
Over the years, so many Olympic moments woven into the fabric of my life. I've come to appreciate that for me the Olympics are a touchstone that every four years, bring me and my family together to witness, to cheer, to celebrate and to cry together for this wonderful experience we call The Olympic Games. Go USA!!!
