Flashback to 2008. Not to the release of the first "Iron Ma"n movie. Not to the publication of the last "Twilight" book. Not to the nomination of Obama for president or even the large fall in the Dow Jones.

We're talking the Beijing Olympics. Ten-year-old Kaycee is so obsessed with the Olympic Opening Ceremonies that she doesn't let her parents go out to dinner. Her daddy has to be home to watch them with her.

Now to 2016. We're talking the Olympics, again. But this time, for Rio, 18-year-old Kaycee doesn't make plans to go out because she has to be home to watch the Opening Ceremonies with her family.

It's weird. As a person of no particular athletic inclination or ability, one of my favorite things in all the world is the Olympics. Maybe it's my competitive spirit, or the inspiration I feel from watching players across the world come together, the Olympic Games is something that I'll never miss seeing if I can help it.

But what makes them so exciting, you ask? Here are some of my favorite reasons.

The torches.

One of the most important aspects of the Games is the embrace of cultural differences. People from all of the world flock to the host country. Cuisine, music and community take on new personas, with tourism gaining rank as the largest source of income. Thus, the torched designed to carry the spirit of the Games to the host country reflects the respective nation. They're all different and all have a different style. Back during the Beijing Games, the New York Post created an awesome infographic compilation of the torches up to 2008. It can be found here.

It's totally worth checking out! As for the Rio Games, this year's design is made to reflect the sky, mountains, sea and ground of the Brazilian land, while also incorporating the endurance and energy of the athletes. A full explanation and tracking of the torch can be found here.

Opening Ceremony costumes.

For any "Hunger Games" readers out there, if this doesn't bring back images of the Parade of Tributes, I don't know what will. As is Olympic tradition, each nation's team is introduced at the Opening Ceremony is matching costumes reflecting their home country. Each team is different, with some definitely being more outrageous than others. I personally love getting to see each them and being surprised by their entrances. This year's uniform for the United States was designed by fashion icon Ralph Lauren and includes a navy blazer, striped shirt and white pants. You can see Team U.S.A.'s costumes throughout the years in a slideshow compiled by the NY Daily News.

Gymnastics!

OK, so I realize there is both summer and winter Olympics, but it's an unspoken truth that the summer ones are much more exciting. As for me, my favorite sport happens to be the gymnastic routines. Back in 2012 at the London games, the United States' "Fierce Five" team brought home the gold in women's gymnastics. This year, returning Olympic veterans Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman will compete with three rookie members. I'm super excited to see what the new team will accomplish, especially with gold-medal favorite, Simone Biles.

Pride in the USA.

At a time whenviolence seems to be ripping apart our country, I'm hoping the Olympics will offer a few weeks reprieve. Obviously, when competing, the United States has an entire team to support -- everyone has something to unite them, for however short of a time. Especially with returning champions (Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Gabby Douglas, etc.), citizens have someone familiar to cheer for. While it's obvious that the Games won't fix everything, I feel like it will definitely grant some solace to the issues of the moment because the news will be flooded with replays of the Olympics. NBC, which holds exclusive rights to broadcast all summer and winter Games through 2032, will be a bundle of ecstatic Olympic segments. I can't wait! There is something entirely satisfying about the graphics, colors, Olympic Ring insignia and overture that's magical.

Personal favorite: Tom Daley (he's British -- oops!)

As a 14-year-old watching the 2012 Olympic Games, I fell head over heels for British diver, Tom Daley. Although his skills are obviously the most impressive, his good looks are no disadvantage! At Rio, Daley will participate in his signature men's synchronized diving event, among others.

But honey, when you look like that, I think he just deserves the gold.

Dying yet? Cool. Same.