France bows to the USA in Olympic relay

My wife and I watched all the drama leading up to the mens 4X100 meter freestyle relay in swimming.  The French star saying they would “Smash the Americans,” proved to be his undoing.  As a continuation of what I was talking about yesterday, that race and especially the final leg that Jason Lezak swam, embodied all that I was talking about.  Against the odds, behind by a body length with 50 meters to go, and trying to catch the world record holder.  Lezak did the unthinkable and won!  What an exciting race!   That is what the Olympics is about… the struggle, the passion and the pinnacle of human achievement. 

I have always loved relays in track and field and swimming, because I think it’s great to see athletes, who are normally competitors, rooting FOR each other.  The comraderie is fantastic.  Watching Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones yelling for  Lezak on the final leg was electrifying.  “The swim of my life,” according to Lezak.  Jones said of Lezak, “Jason is the most phenomenal closer I have ever seen in my life.”  The announcers were going crazy as Lezak chased down and eventually out-touched the Frenchman Bernard.  Great stuff.

My wife and I have watched that race over again several times, and it gets better every time.  I love underdog stories, especially when the underdog deserves to win and comes out on top.  I was very happy to see the class with which the Americans handled the medal ceremony.  Being truly gracious to the French who had tried to belittle them earlier.  That’s what the Olympics is all about.

Tags: , Cullen Jones, Garrett Webber-Gale, jason lezak, michael phelps, olympics, relay, swimming, track and field