HOMETOWN BOY MAKES GOOD

[essdipity]

Caution: VERY off-topic.

I can't help beaming with pride, though I had absolutely nothing to do with his success. But still I just have to congratulate Michael Phelps here, there and everywhere for his wonderful feat. History has been made!

Michael Phelps grew up in virtually the next neighborhood from mine. He was winning swim meets when still just a young child, and now look what he's accomplished!  Long, long before Michael, I used to paddle around in the same pool where he trained, as did many of my friends. His mom, whom we've seen on TV over and over this week, is a middle school principal in this county and very well regarded.

With all the world's problems, it's so nice when something good happens!

ess

[essdipity]

Gosh, forgot to mention our local Katie Hoff!  She's a great swimmer, even if she didn't take the gold. But a silver and two bronze ain't too shabby!

Yay, Katie!!

ess

[Quixotic1]

Au contraire, mis amis.  Very on topic.

I drank in in every part of the swimming competition!  I think what Michael Phelps did was wonderful, glorious and fantastic.  I was in competitive swimming when I was younger and I taught in the same pool that was used by 5 members of 1972 Olympic team, so I knew them a little and watched them a lot.  Mark Spitz wasn't there, but his roommate was (Gary Hall).  So that was a part of my youth.  I felt so privileged to see history surpassed.

And I was so proud of Dara Torres who actually outswam her relay counterpart and closed much of the distance.  It gave me a great pride in her and in what a woman can do!

BRAVO!

[Momzilla]

Yes, it was amazing to see what an incredible athlete he is.  And he seems like such a stellar young man.  I loved seeing him beam with his team as they played our national anthem.  What must have been going through his mind!

And then, I always love to see his mother in the stands.  So proud of him.  And to know that she raised him on her own.  I think of my own talented sons and how I can hardly get them to brush their teeth each night....!  JK!

How cool to claim him as yor homeboy.  Yea!

My 7 yr. old kept calling him Michael "Phelleps," so it has stuck in our house.  Yea, Michael Phelleps!!!

Zilla*

[Lulu54]

What a night of watching -
It was also encouragng to see a 38 year old woman win the marathon and you can't overlook Dara Torres' amazing condition at 42.  I have to think what event I want to start training for now!  :-)

[sllowe]

Watched him get one once again last night! Amazing!

So talented.  Only wish the 41yr. old woman could have gotten gold too.  She is amazing.  

[Sarahsmom46]

I am very proud of him too.  We'll be talking and hearing about him for a long time.  He's a cutie too!  Did you see his mom when he was competing?  She is most certainly his biggest fan.  You are right Ess, we as a country do need some positive things to happen.  Go Michael!!!!

Julie