 Now that the Olympics are over I guess we can all get back into a normal sleep pattern. I got tired of hearing the alarm go off at 5:45am and complaining - to myself of course - about staying up too late the night before to see what Michael, Shawn, Nastia, Jonathon, Hu, Yang, Misty & Kerri, Todd & Phil, Dara and Usain had to do before turning the TV off. This will be the Olympics that will be remembered for 12 year old gymnasts pretending to be 16, the world's fastest man setting a new world record by slowing down at the finish line, a 41 year old Mom winning 3 silver medals, the men and woman capturing the gold in beach volleyball at the same Olympics, the Chinese going 7 for 7 in gold medals in the diving competition and of course everyone's new golden boy Michael Phelps. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were breath taking and made you say - "How'd they do that?" - over and over again. But before we bid adu to the Games there is one story that I'd like to personally mention as one that I'll never forget.
The Games started with tragedy. Hugh McCutcheon is the coach of the Men's Volleyball team. The day after the opening Ceremonies his father-in-law was stabbed to death while sight seeing. His mother-in-law was severely wounded and was later returned to the US to complete her recovery. And of course as we all know the Men's team beat Brazil to win the gold medal the night of the closing ceremony. I cannot image what Hugh had to go through these past two weeks. He missed the first 3 games to be with his family, but with the encouragement of his wife returned to the team and led them to the gold medal. The mental toughness that you have to possess to block out something like that and stay focused - as a coach - to provide the leadership your team needs is nothing short of amazing.
It would have been easy for him to allow his emotions to effect the team - and how could you blame him if he did? Not only dealing with the loss of his Father-in-law, but to realize how close his wife may have come to being killed would have turned any of us into an emotional train wreck. But he compartmentalized it, stayed focused on the team and held it together until they had the gold medal wrapped around their necks.
Coach McCutcheon - I am an old, over weight white guy with the speed of a turtle and the jumping ability of an elephant. But I'll play for you for in any sport on any team that you coach. My deepest condolences to you and your wife's family but please know how incredibly proud I am to call you a fellow American. God bless you Coach!!
Goodbye Beijing. David
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I too would play for that coach and can't believe how he held it together! What a story! MP