2008 Summer Olympics

I am interviewing tomorrow morning with NBC Olympics to be an intern for the 2008 Olympics, which means I’d work in Beijing for a month next summer. As such, there won’t be any updates until Monday evening when I get back from working at the Joe as I’m currently preparing for this interview. Sorry!

The Summer Olympics
As many young kids do, I grew up watching the Summer Olympics every four years admiring the passions and abilities of these world class athletes. I watched for years as Michael Johnson dazzled the world with his golden shoes, big smile, and record breaking performances. I remember seeing him toss his golden shoes into an appreciative crowd following a victory.


Photo Source: AP

I dreamed of becoming an Olympic athlete and winning the gold medal in the 100m or 200m dash. I soon realized that my abilities would not allow for this dream to come true, but I still participated in the sport I loved and eventually became captain of the varsity track team as a sophomore in high school.

I remember quickly stretching my quads and calves before proceeding to back up into the blocks. I remember holding my shoulders slightly forward of the starting line and my muscles tensing in preparation of a powerful burst of speed at the sound of the gun. I remember focusing my eyes on the track a few feet ahead and listening for the commands. In a deep but loud voice, the starter would say “Get set.” I would raise my body and wait for the starting gun to go off. “Bang!” I would explode from the starting blocks and diligently follow my sprinting technique – high knees, long strides, stay low, and just focusing on the finish line.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to run since 2003 because of my series of knee problems. My passion for the sport remains the same despite athletes testing positive for steroids or even admitting to using them in the past. Today, I love watching sprinter Jeremy Wariner flawlessly run the 400m dash as his mentor, Michael Johnson, looks on.


Photo Source: Getty Images

A lot has changed in the world since the 1896 Olympics in Athens, but the spirit of the Games will remain the same in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The Olympics are a place for people of all shapes, sizes, and color to compete in their event. The athletes compete for their country, for themselves, for pride, for distinction, for glory, and for the love of their respective sport.

I may not be in Beijing next summer working for NBC, but I will definitely be watching the Summer Games and cheering on the hundreds of athletes representing my country as they compete in Beijing.

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Posted in: Blog | | October 2007

4 Responses to “2008 Summer Olympics”

  1. Lucas Aykroyd Says:
    October 7th, 2007 at 7:11 pm

    Hope all goes well with the interview, Christy. Just being invited to interview is a nice feather in your cap. I’ve been fortunate enough to cover two Winter Olympics, and the atmosphere and experience is something you never forget.

  2. Joe Hass Says:
    October 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pm

    Kick some posterior, Christy!

  3. The Acid Queen Says:
    October 8th, 2007 at 12:12 pm

    Luck!

  4. Christy Hammond Says:
    October 10th, 2007 at 7:27 am

    Thanks guys for the good luck wishes- I think the interview went well! The latest I’ll find out is December 31st, but I’ll be sure to let you all know whenever I find out.

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