We Got This One Just Right!!

The U-Bahn said, translated into English, Olympic Stadium. It is a direct shot, 7-8 stops, so we don’t have to change anywhere along the route. The car is full to the brim with people as if we were in the New York Subway at morning rush hour but the fervor isn’t like we are on our way to work. The excitement is building for Team Glavin-Eccles as we rise out of the subway. It is a short, tree lined, walk to the stadium and in the distance you can hear the crowd roaring and the ever present sound of the plastic bugle horn reminding you that most of these folks are “futbol” fans turned “track and field” fans for the week.
The first sight of the huge stadium reminds any athlete that this will be the place where hard work and off season preparation will be rewarded. The added sense of history and the fact that this was the sight of the 1936 Olympic Games make it even better. The original rings and the stanchions that hold them in place are original. I try and share the historical perspective with the kids but I get the ‘Yeah yeah we know history blah blah blah. Oh well, perhaps those moments of understanding will come one day in a future history class.
The security is tight and the German’s have their infamous organizational strengths on display for all to see. Everything is done with precision and a “first class” attitude. Each opening is dotted with orange bib wearing security personnel.
Our day is filled with Day 1 Decathlon competition, 400 meter opening rounds where we see the American Jeremy Wariner and Ann gets great photos with her new camera (story for another time). We see Usain Bolt and the opening round of the 200 meters. He is a special man that electrifies the crowd. Our seats are perfectly placed for the “media run” that all of the athletes must take as they exit to et back to the locker room. It is perfect. We buy a USA “stars and Stripes” Flag and hold it up for all of the races with Americans and call put as the “Americans” exit the track. The kids are “whoopin and holleran” and the folks in our section are enjoying the unbridled fun of Family Glavin. There’s dancing singing, eating and just plain fun. The finals to the 1500 meters are especially exciting. It is “the race” of the day and the roar of the crowd is intoxicating. It is an added bonus that the American, unexpectedly, finishes 3rd to a fella from Bahrain and Ethiopia. You just can’t get this feeling on TV.

I think our walk back to the UBahn will be etched in my mind forever. Pearse said “I want to throw the Javelin and run the hurdles and some day you’ll come and see me at the World Track Championships”. He came home and did push-ups and sit-ups!!!