Personally, I live to love the Summer Olympics. Sure the Winter Olympics was only two years ago, but who am I kidding. There are only about two events that most of us watch and plus, they’re doing school so no-can-do.

It’s the year of the Summer Olympic Games and since this will be my fifth Olympics (I like my boy, Phelps) the hype is at an all-time high. Yet as I listen to people complain about it, it hurts my bleeding red, white and blue heart. I’ve waited four years for this event, and now you’re complaining about it because there are a few bumps and bruises surrounding it? A lot can happen in four years. I went entirely through high school in four years (without the Summer Olympics might I add). Nobody knew four years ago that Brazil was going to be in the state that it is today. People, they’re just having a really long, really hard, bad hair day. We’ve all been there. So give them a break and remember, they’re trying their best.

Honestly, though, the timing of the Olympics couldn’t have come at a better moment. This event brings not only our country together, but the world together. It unites us all as one. As most of us know, we need to be united as a whole now, more than ever. Country pride will be at an all time high! As our athletes become our champions, decorated in bronze, silver, and gold, the people of this great nation will come together as one. Like we should be, as we need to be. We will all watch, truly realize and remember how amazing it is to be an American when one of our athletes takes that podium. As that medal is placed around their neck and our national anthem begins to play, you truly feel that you do live in the greatest country on earth.

I truly do understand there are risks about having the Olympics in Rio due to multiple circumstances, but I put my faith in the higher ups. If this city could not handle it, I feel actions would be taken to ensure the safety of every single athlete. But remember this, for two weeks the flags of every nation are flown high and proud in their home country. For two weeks, we cheer for our athletes who have done all their training and competing for mainly us, their country. For two weeks, we don’t have to watch campaign ad after campaign ad on TV and listen to endless political drama. For two weeks, our great country, and the entire world is united as one. As strong as the Greek Gods that created this event. So stop complaining about this, but instead, embrace it. Sit on your couch and cheer for your athletes. Cry when they fall, scream when they get back up because it’s only here for two weeks and after that, it’s gone for another four more years. I will say it has been four long years but I’m ready and extremely excited to watch my fifth Summer Olympics and cheer on my country’s chosen champions!