A Good Olympics For The United States

Ah, it is all over. The 29th Summer Olympics have come to a glorious end in Beijing.
Now, a lot of people will not focus on the fact that the United States won the most medals of the games.
The focus will be on the fact that Red China won the most gold medals. And, that is a fact.
But, one has to wonder how hollow at least the "women's" gymnastic ones are?
Is there any doubt that more than likely, not one of the girls are at least 16 years of age? And, why was there not a proper vetting of said girls before the Olympics?
A good thing is that no athletes dropped dead in the stifling, humid, smog-filled heat of Beijing.
But can anyone forget the triumph of American swimmer Michael Phelps? EIGHT, count them, eight gold medals. Not any of the Red Chinese come close to that magical number.
Or the wonderful competition between American women gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson?
How about the beach volleyball duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh winning their 2008 gold medal and winning their 108th consecutive match?
There are, as usual, so many great stories that these games produce.
And, that is what is at the heart of the Olympics. So many triumphs over tragedies. Of men and women pushing themselves to limit. Beyond the limit. So amazing!
As we say goodbye to the 2008 summer games, bring on the 2010 winter games in Vancouver!