Bending over backwards while reaching for the stars

Today we set out for the most popular Olympic venue in Beijing, the “Olympic Green”. To one side the national stadium sits proudly with Olympic torch ablaze, after its world class opening ceremony debut firmly placed it on the list of must-see architecture. The water cube, where most swimming events are held, stands opposite, but with little time to waste we make a beeline for the National indoor stadium where women’s gymnastics will start in a few minutes.

The National indoor stadium reaches for the sky

We quickly get through security and head for the seats. Once again the venue is gorgeous. Excellent lighting and colorful signs make for stunning visuals, and the public address system is crystal clear. As the gymnasts take to the floor we are impressed by their confidence and vulnerability as they spin, twist and fly through the air. Always a split second away from disaster, their intense concentration seems to blocks out everything except the burned-in neurological scripts running through their brains and bodies. These are very young athletes, children it seems to us, and we hold our breath as they risk all for a chance to be an Olympic champion. With every stumble or misstep the entire crowd yields a collective sigh of disappointment. Everyone wants these athletes to do their best regardless of where they come from. I sense the true Olympic spirit is alive and well here in China and I know our decision to make the long journey was well worth it. The chance to see the world get along so well together is priceless, even if it lasts for just a few minutes as we all cheer for the children (our future) in their pursuit of excellence.

Power and grace in motion