Not always the hometown fan....

Nearly a week into the games I have found myself in full Olympic mode. I can't help it I just can't seem to get enough. I run home, throw off my heels and turn on whatever event they may be showing and start cheering sometimes at the top of my lungs.

But I have found something else out. Sometimes that cheering? Well it isn't just for the home team, or the favorite. In fact sometimes its not even for any of the people that are in the hunt for silver or bronze. Perhaps I should be ashamed for admitting this.

Don't get me wrong. I am proud to be an American. I love my home country. But that doesn't mean I don't think other countries/athletes are any less deserving. Maybe I will blame it on the stories, those behind the athlete stories that they present. The ones that make you want to cry because their mother gave up everything to drive them to practice. Or the ones about their hometowns rebuilding after the hurricane/earthquake/natural disaster. And how they overcame so many obstacles along the way.

And often I think well look at so and so, they weren't even supposed to be here. Its those moments that stops me. Because right then I know I should be rooting for the US but at the same time  I find myself rooting for them as well. The unkown little country, or the host country or whomever. Sure they may be the underdog and there seems to be no shot in hell that they will beat Phelps or Franklin but still, you never know. Even the most invincible seem to fall under pressure.

I suppose this is the great thing about the sports. For a moment things are put aside. For a moment an American can fall in love with an Australian. Can find them selves bawling when the Canadian anthem is being played. Or cheering when a Japanese swimmer puts up a fight in the pool. And not have to feel guilty that they are doing so.

Because for a moment.So is the rest of the world.

Go Team Go.

No matter what color,you wear, what language you speak or what country you represent.