Andy Murray: Great Brit's Golden Boy

Andy Murray Celebrates Olympic Gold

          I'll admit that I have not kept up with all of the Olympics hype on NBC.  However, I was absolutely drawn in today by the gold medal match between Great Britain's Andy Murray and Switzerland's Roger Federer. I didn't want to miss a single serve. Federer, who at 30 years old is ranked the number one tennis player in the world, recently beat 25 year old Scottish Murray at 2012's Wimbledon.  Murray faced enormous pressure at Wimbledon, with the hopes of a nation long without the home-turf honor of a Wimbledon win.  Though he lost, Great Britain was ready for redemption at the London Olympics.  Thus, Murray had a lot of weight on his shoulders coming into the Olympics.
       Watching them battle it out on the courts once again today at the Olympics was riveting.  It seemed part mind game, part athletic skills as the two volleyed and  served with power and prowess. Murray, who was ranked fourth in the world, seemed like the initial underdog, especially after so recently losing to Federer.  However, he came to dominate, ultimately using control and skill to win Olympic gold. The screams of his usually stoic countrymen could not be contained.  It was a beautiful moment to watch him victoriously hug members of the audience, including one very adorable tennis fan.  I am not a crazy sports fanatic, but when I see a powerful moment in life and entertainment, I have to give it its due.  The match was a fantastic and gripping story that made for great television.  We watch the Olympics for moments like it-moments that seem bigger than individual people or even countries.

Quidditch: The Missing Olympic Sport

Ron as the Keeper

       
             2012's London Olympics has been massive.  Lochte vs Phelps, the Queen versus James Bond, and of course, super weird looking Voldemort and Mary Poppins.  There's a lot of excitement.  Sports that usually spawn comments like "I didn't even know that was a sport," are shown on every NBC network imaginable when the best of the best compete for gold.  Perhaps I am revealing my ignorance when I admit I really didn't know skeet shooting or trampolining  were real Olympic sports.

              Millions around the world are tuning in, after all, there's nothing else on summer television.  I would just like to say though, that the Olympics would be far better if they included the sport that London should be most proud of: Quidditch.  Forget that really the only thing that matters is the seeker getting the snitch, and you've got quite an original game.  I'm not talking about the fake Quidditch, muggle version.  I want the real thing, broomsticks and all. Come on London, you've got a Princess, you've got a sky-diving queen. Did a bludger knock you in the brain?   Admit it, you really do have Hogwarts, and you're holding out your best sport, your real keeper.   We'll forgive you, on a condition. Let us come to Hogwarts please and thank you, or at least give a medal to Harry Potter.

Sorry Harry, Ron gets the Torch

That's one Happy Ginger

           The Olympics just got more ginger.  Rupert Grint, of Harry Potter fame donned his running shoes in Middlesex University, and jogged with the Olympic torch in hand. Grint admitted he wasn't exactly a running enthusiast, but would you be, if you were used to floo powder travel?  While I'd rather have a wand than an Olympic torch, it is still a pretty cool honor for a mere muggle.  Anyhow, it was a great day for gingers.  Isn't the torchfire ginger anyways?  Way to be the Chosen One for the day Ron!  Carry that torch high and proud.