Our US Olympic Women's Gymnastic team....

First, let me say that while the Olympic games in their true, most basic form, are a great test of human skill, strength, agility and sportsmanship. That being said, I am usually not a big "fan" of the games or watching them. But there was something about our women's gymnastic team this year that was pretty special.

Setting aside all of the nefarious/sinister "things" TPTB use or display at the Olympic games, I comment only on the work and dedication of these fine athletes.

For some reason, the wife and I (who seldom watch tv and only have an antennae for channels) happened to stumble upon and watch the preliminaries for the womens US gym team...seeing who would make the team for 2016. We watched these girls perform their hardest to try and fulfill a lifelong dream of going to the Olympics. While watching, we paid special attention to Simone Biles and Aly Raisman.
These 2 were good...very good and we had high hopes for them. Of course those two made the team.

Fast forward to last week/this weekend. Simone and Aly both left it all on the mat/beam/bars. Totally nailing their routines. At the end of their respective final performances...you could see all of the emotion hit them like a ton of bricks. Not to mention each of their parents (which the cameras showed often)in the stands with this unbelievable, happy tear faced look of being so proud of their daughters. I cannot even imagine how proud those parents are. During the medal ceremony/ceremonies, you could see the satisfaction of all the hard work and effort on the girls' face. And for once...in a very long time...I actually had some positive, national pride. Not the blind nationalism...you know....USA USA...but a real feeling of being proud of these women and them representing the US.
Actually got me a bit teary eyed. :)

So...to the 2016 US Women's Gymnastic team.....
Congratulations on a superb performance, bringing home the gold as individuals and as our team. Simone and Aly (imo) are 2 of the best gymnast ever. Not since Mary Lou Retton have I seen a more attention grabbing and dominating US gymnast (both of them).

So thank you ladies for a job well done. You have made many of your fellow countrymen (and women) very proud. And to their parents...thank you for a job extremely well done! God bless you all!