The Corner House Hosts an Olympic Opening Ceremonies Party

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:

I love the Olympics.

So when the ladies of the Corner House invited a bunch of us over for a party to watch and celebrate the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics, they didn't have to ask twice.

Emily and I dressed in our most American-y clothes, and we brought a red (strawberries), white (cream cheese), and blue (sprinkles) snack to contribute to the event's edibles.

While we may not have been blown away by the host country's performance, we enjoyed socializing.

Guess we'll have to wait until 2016 to see if Rio de Janeiro can match Beijing's ceremonies, eh?

Let the Games begin!

London2012 Olympic Athlete to Watch: John Orozco

If you don't know it by now, I'm a nut when it comes to the Olympics.

Every two years (I love the Winter games, too), I catch the fever... hard.

In a few weeks, you won't have to ask what I'm up to, because I'll be firmly planted in front of TVs and my computer, watching live action of the Olympics (and highlights when there isn't anything live).

But I don't just get psyched up for the actual Games. I love the run-up as well.

So while I was home in Utah, my family and I watched a fair amount of the Olympic Trials.
We caught some of the swimming, track & field, and gymnastics meets.

One athlete that caught my attention both for his ability and his non-traditional gymnastics background was this smiley fellow (and we all know how much I appreciate smilers):

John Orozco

He wowed us on his way to taking the top US spot going into London.

Since the Bronx native (yes, you read that right; there's a world-class gymnast from the Bronx) can tell his story better than I can, here you go:

This is his floor routine from the US Championships (the meet prior to the Trials):

Oh, and did I mention that floor isn't even his best event?
The dude is scary good on high bar and pommel horse.

Need a motivational pump-up music video, featuring John Orozco? My friend Cheri introduced me to "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder , so I'll share that with you as well.

Can't wait to see what John does in London!

What athletes do you have your eye on?

USA Lady Olympians to Watch at London 2012

London 2012 is only 52 days away.

I can't hide my excitement about that fact. Every 2 years I spend way too much time watching the Olympic Games. From major sports like basketball and the 100m Dash and hockey, to little-followed events like taekwondo and curling, I just can't get enough of the (almost round-the-clock) coverage.

The Olympics are so much fun to watch, and I'm continually amazed by how each country's athletes bring their best effort and put their training to the absolute highest test of competition.

However, I'm going to say this upfront: While these ladies have incredible skills in their respective athletic fields and deserve a great deal of credit for their abilities and achievements, my post today is centering on their physical looks. If that's not okay with you, feel free to move along, and/or write your own companion post to this one about the fine fellas you'll be following come July 27th.

Note: I'm only highlighting American (USA) athletes here. Sorry, foreigners, write your own posts for the undoubtedly attractive ladies your country is sending to London. And then leave the link to your post in the comments below.

Natalie Coughlin (swimming)

Shanelle Landry (trampoline)

Julie Zetlin (rhythmic gymnastics)

Corey Cogdell (trapshooting)

Cassidy Krug (diving)

Allyson Felix (track & field)

Gwen Jorgensen (triathlon)

I know there are many more worthy of being in this post, but this is just a small sample. Go USA!