The frosting on the cake is to witness the best athletes in the world competing in familiar and unknown sports and events: I enjoyed Rhythmic Gymnastics, and could see in the gold medal game close up why Justine Henin Hardenne, with her precision, is currently ranked the number one Tennis player. Imagine seeing someone can hit a dead center bulls eye in Archery on her last chance to win a gold medal, or return a Table Tennis ball successfully that hard and from that far away. Who knew that Team Handball could be fascinating, or that the Points Race in Track Cycling requires 23 Cyclists to go at top speed for over 48 minutes straight in the crowded banked circular velodrome? Even Volleyball was more interesting with the international rules of having every serve and rally score, service balls that hit the net stay in play, and the use of the defensive specialist "libero" player wearing a different color jersey staying in the game.

Feeling and sharing the Olympic spirit and enjoying all the sports - is the Olympics! Mixed with lots of walking, meeting friendly and interesting people, and having new experiences and places to see.

See you in Beijing!
Ray Olsen