Ahoy-hoy, friends! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not Christmas, but it might as well be! I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Olympics. Obsessed, I tell you! Are you as nuts about the sportsy-sports as I am? You’ve been parked in front of your TV set since last Friday, too, right? Okay, good.
Once upon a time, I had visions of being in the Olympics. I planned on making my debut in 2004 in the sport of soccer, my most favourite sport in the whole wide world. But then I thought, hey, if I really want all the glory, or at least half the glory, maybe I should try for beach volleyball instead, my second favourite sport. A very close second, I might add. And so I kept flipping back and forth, eventually concentrating my efforts in soccer.
I played at a very high level. When I turned fifteen, I was recruited to a rep team, which then led to tryouts for a provincial team. After only one tryout, I was added to the team. They called me the animal. I know what you’re thinking. This sweet face? Impossible! But it’s true, guys. I am fierce on the field. You do not want to come between me and the ball. It won’t end well for you.
Christine Sinclair, captain of Team Canada, and my fave player evah! I was number 12, too!
For two years, I played with an amazingly talented group of girls, travelling all over Ontario and even some parts of the USA for games and tournaments. I turned nineteen in our final season, just finishing high school (we had grade 13, don’t judge), and I had some big decisions to make. In the end, I chose to focus on my education, and soccer took a backseat in my life. I don’t feel like I missed out, though. I still play soccer to this day. I coach too, one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I live within walking distance of a beach here in Ottawa, and I’ve been playing beach volleyball all summer long. It may not be Olympic-level competition, but I’m having the time of my life. 🙂
How I look when I’m playing beach volleyball. I think. I hope.
So here’s a question for you: If you were competing in the Olympics, which sport(s) would be your specialty?
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fit and fabulous week! Watching the Olympics totally burns calories–all the cheering and whatnot! Go, Canada! 😀
Award-winning romance author & PE teacher who plays sports, sings, juggles, dances, has a sneaker obsession, & lives on PB! 
Hi! I would play beach volleyball…without the volleyball. Or net. Okay so I would just go to the beach. Best I can offer.
Oh hey maybe I would help Tongo carry in the flag next time. 🙂
Haha! I’d help Tonga with a lot of things. 😀 You can cheer me on while I play beach volleyball, chillaxing in your beach chair. How’s that?
I’ll be on the Olympic watching team. It really is cool to watch all the sports. I enjoy going to the channels that show the ‘less’ popular ones. I’ve watched shooting, fencing, and rowing along with the more ‘popular’ events like gymnastics and swimming. I think if I were to choose a team I’d want to be on the softball team. I used to love to play.
Rowing is hugely popular here in Canada, especially in Ottawa. It gets a ton of air time on our Olympic stations. I’ve always wanted to try it. I think next summer will be the year I do. #goals
I can totally see you as a softball player!
How did I not know about the soccer thing and you? That’s insane! And illustrates why you’d only be my baby in another universe. I completely agree with Michelle, I’d be happy to participate in the beach-sitting event. Oh, wait, I know! I’d be on the team that makes sure award-winning women get the credit for their medals, not their husbands! How’s that?
LOL, I’m sure I’ve probably mentioned it at some point, but yeah. Pretty cool, eh? I’m not all talk. 😉
We definitely need one of those teams! The women competing deserve every ounce of credit for their victories. I bet some of them could give the men a run for their money!
Of course you were an awesome sports star back in the day – and all of your dedication and hard work now benefit the students that you guide and encourage. Sign me up for the Olympic Watching Team. My only foray into organized sports was a disastrous year on my 6th grade softball team – the year we lost every game. I too am a rabid Olympic fan – although my excitement had been dampened by all the horror stories coming out of Rio in the past few months, but once I heard the glorious notes of the Olympic theme, I was all in!
Aww, Mary! You’re so sweet!
LOL, I once coached a volleyball team who lost every match, but we won a single game in our last match of the season. We all cried and hugged and were jumping up and down with joy. The other team thought we’d lost our minds.
I love the Olympic theme! And I love YOU! 😀