Every 2 years, the nation joins together to watch the Olympics events. Winter or summer, we send our best athletes to highlight America's talent on a worldwide stage. No matter how many Olympics we watch, the reactions are always the same. Insane pride, crippling disappointment and tearful inspiration. So how did America react this year? It went a little like this:
1. How you felt when you saw the American team during the parade
Because your heart swells with pride when you see your country being represented. You just can't help but feel all the emotions.
2. Seeing Michael Phelps wave the flag
Seeing Michael Phelps was a reminder that very soon you will be yelling at the television during a swimming competition screaming "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A" knowing that 1) you don't really care about swimming and 2) Phelps probably has enough gold medals.
3. Watching the 1st refugee team make their debut
This was a reminder to you not to complain so much, when during the largest refugee crisis of our time, a team of brave athletes STILL made it to the Olympics to compete.
4. Finding out that Yusra Mardini, a swimmer on the refugee team, saved 18 lives by pulling a boat to safety with her sister for over three hours while escaping from Syria to Greece
Because just when you thought the refugee team couldn't be even more inspirational, you listened to each individual story and realized, "well damn, they are super hella inspirational."
5. When the flame was lit and it was LIT
The flames, the fireworks, the hollers, the tears. It was lit.
6. When the competition was on
Bring it on China and Russia. Let's get that #1 medal count. *flexing muscle emoji*
7. When USA secured their first gold
U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A.
8. When you realized 16-year-olds are competing at the Olympics, and you're just at home watching TV
The Olympics, while awesome, are always a sad reminder that you could be doing more, but you're not. This depression comes and goes in waves because, then again, you don't spend all your days training and can have cake and beer whenever you want.
9. When another country takes the gold, and you pretend to be a good sport about it
I mean, it's the journey that counts, come on.
10. When your favorite athlete is competing, and you can't control yourself
A little bit of Drake comes out from inside of you during every competition that your favorite is in.
11. Straight up happiness and pride
Every Olympics is a reminder that no matter how much struggle, turmoil, and sadness is going on in the world, every nation still joins together in a worldwide arena as one. It thrills you to see, even if only for a little, people coming together, celebrating each others wins, encouraging one another, and making worldwide friends. The Olympics are a time like no other for us all to become one. As said in the opening ceremony. In this Olympic world, we are all equal.
