Day two update from Paris. Man what a day. The full range of emotions from ecstasy to agony on display as competitors' dreams were realized or crushed. Spencer's match had me as nervous as I've ever been watching or competing in wrestling, and I've never wanted something so badly as a fan in my life. Props to Higuchi, he wrestled a smart and tough match. Can't remember a time when an opponent's head/hands kept Spencer out like that. He is extremely good.
Being there live was heartbreaking to witness, so I can only imagine what Spencer is feeling right now. The thing that got to me most was during the medal ceremony. They put the gold medal around Higuchi's neck and he held it out to look at it. Spencer looked over briefly at the gold and then down again at his silver, and the pain on his face brought my wife and I to tears. How brutal this sport can be for those who invest their entire lives into it.
After listening to Spencer's interview, I hope he knows that a lot of people--from Hawkeye nation, the USA, and around the world--do really care about what he accomplished this year. Twenty, hell forty, years from now, I'll still be rambling on about the way he wrestled to anyone who will listen, and I know I'm not alone. What he battled through to take the silver medal on the world's biggest stage is truly remarkable. He has inspired countless people from young kids to even this aging cynic. No idea what comes next for you Spencer, but I hope you know how your career has inspired us up to this point.
It was great to see Brooks and Helen battle back for bronze. Brooks getting fed up with the Uzbek's stalling and just start hitting blast doubles was a thing of beauty. And I am absolutely elated for Helen to earn her third Olympic medal. She is the trailblazer for American women's wrestling, and after the adversity she's been through, this was an incredible accomplishment. Her medal celebration had me tearing up again.
Overall, despite the tough losses, it's been a really solid Olympics for the USA. Five medals and counting. I'm old enough to remember much darker days for team USA. The expectations have certainly risen.
Other random thoughts: Jason Bryant is the English announcer in the arena, and he is killing it. Props to Japan for coming ready to ball out, but I don't want to hear your national anthem again for a long time. Hanging with foreigners here is great fun. Had some beers and exchanged BS at a bar tonight with some Germans, Japanese, Iranians, and local French tonight. Go Hawks, Go USA, and we love you Spencer!
