There is nothing better than spending the weeks preparing for the start of fall sports than watching the Olympic Games.

As an athlete, there is nothing more satisfying or inspiring than watching thousands of athletes’ dreams become a reality. Knowing that all of their hard work and sacrifice has finally paid off. The goal that they have been working towards is within reach. Seeing the pride each of them have in representing their country by doing what they love makes me so happy. It sends tingles down my spine just thinking about it.

Obviously I am biased towards Team USA, but I love seeing the success of any athlete regardless of the country they are representing. The one thing I admire about the Olympics is how they focus on the background stories of the athletes. Seeing the hardships some of these athletes have overcome gives hope to everyone. Sometimes it amazes me hearing some of the shit these athletes have been through and seeing how happy and determined they are to succeed.

The Olympics aren’t just some major sporting events that happen every two years (including both the winter and summer games). The Olympics bring nations together, uniting them in their support for their athletes -- even though it’s for two weeks. Considering how much violence that has been happening in our country lately, this unity is definitely something that is much needed.

A lot of people only focus on the primetime sports that are constantly making headlines, such as baseball, football, and basketball. I am not one of those people, as I celebrate all sports and all athletes. The Olympics encourage everyone to take notice of all of the sports. Some of the sports that people look forward to the most, are ones that they would scroll past if they saw it on TV at any other time. It highlights sports that people don’t even realize are sports, such as table tennis (ping pong), badminton, handball, weightlifting, or trampoline, just to name a few.

As an athlete myself, I look up to these Olympians for inspiration. Sometimes I look to Misty May Treanor, sometimes I look to Hope Solo, Serena Williams, or any number of athletes. One of my most favorite athlete quotes comes from Mia Hamm, a very highly decorated soccer legend.

“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.”

So for the next two weeks, I will unapologetically be watching the Olympics nonstop on TV, talking about it continually, and following the Games 24/7 on Twitter. I love the Olympics and everything that comes along with it.