KIMIKO
HIRAI SOLDATI
OFFICIAL SITE
|
OFFICIAL SITE |
|
Greece fulfills its Olympic dream of safety Athens -- and the rest of the world -- heaved a sigh of relief Sunday with the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Much debate has surrounded the $1.1 billion price tag Greece paid for security, but the outcome of a safe Olympics remains priceless in a world concerned with terrorism. Despite poor attendance and worries about whether the smallest country to hold an Olympics in 90 years would be ready, Greece came away golden. The downside to the Games is that Greece will be left with considerable financial burden. The upside is that the Olympics pushed the country into the 21st century, where it is expected to reap rewards with increased tourism and trade. Colorado earned its share of the global spotlight, too, with several athletes either living in the state full time or temporarily staying at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Locally, Casey Malone, a Colorado State University standout now coaching for the University of Colorado, finished seventh in the men's discus competition. He found himself reluctant to leave the stadium, drawn in by the atmosphere of the Olympics. At 27, Malone says his best discus years are likely ahead of him, and he plans to work toward the next Games. Although she failed to qualify for the semifinals, few Olympic watchers will forget former CSU diver Kimiko Soldati. She epitomized the spirit of the Games by continuing to cheer for her teammates after her disappointing finish wrought by a shoulder injury. This was not a perfect Olympic Games -- if there ever was such a thing. Drug use and steroids played a broad role with some athletes losing their medals; a protester accosted the front-runner in the marathon; and venues often were seen nearly devoid of spectators. But the finish line is the thing in the Games. And the finish line this time saw Greece put on a spectacular Olympics without terrorism entering the light. That is an accomplishment to celebrate.
|
|
