By Jessica Morgan
Tanya’s toes gripped the edge of the platform ten meters up, the height of a three-story building. Her heart was light, her nerves were heavy, but she knew how to control them just like her coaches taught her. Millions were watching all over the world, but in her mind, it was just her, the water below, and slow, deep breaths. With complete stillness, she counted to three before bending her knees and springing into the air: her body tucks, pikes, and twists before breaking through the surface with barely a splash. Years of training come down to an instant.
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
Freddy the Frog loved to run. He ran everywhere. When the chance came, he was the first to sign up in downtown Paddington.
Clancy the Chipmunk also loved to run. He told Billy, “Well, if you can enter the Olympics, then I’m in too. I wonder if Larry the Little Mouse will join us. He loves a good scramble.”
As they splashed through Freddy’s home pond, Larry could be heard yelling, “I know what you’re saying. “Count me in, guys. It would not be a proper Olympics in Paris if we weren’t representing our country.
Freddy said, “Friendship is everywhere.”
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
Jimmy told his dad, “Joe Kovacs is the greatest shot putter of all time.”
His dad said,
“Why would you say that?”
Jimmy said,
“Dad, he put the shot 22.91 meters. No one else has done that.”
“Is the length of his through the only thing that determines the quality of a person,”
his dad asked. “I want you to look up one of the smallest men to put the shot. His name is Adam Nelson. He’s someone that gives back to others.”
Jim realized it takes more than just a good arm; you must also be a great person.
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
“I like the Teamwork,” said Bob
“What is Teamwork?” said Jenny.
Bob said, “Jenny, you and Mom cook. Have you ever noticed that one ingredient
tastes good, but when you combine it with something else, it tastes better? That’s a
little like Teamwork; those two things work together to taste great. I’m glad Mom
and Dad brought us to see the Olympics.
J
enny asked her big brother, “Is it true that there are Teams from all over the world?
Bob said, “Yes, and just like cooking, we will see these men and women combine
their efforts to create their Team.”
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
Rabbit asks, “Turtle, what are the official rules of this race.”
Turtle says, “We get from here to there as fast as we can.”
Rabbit, frustrated, says, “Turtle, that’s what we want to accomplish. Are you sure you want to race me?”
“ O.K., we must only use this road. This rule will ensure that neither of us gets lost on the way,” said Turtle.
Rabbit says, “This rule makes us equal in the game. We’re both playing by the rule. Oh, if I get tired, can I stop and rest?
Turtle said, “As long as you obey the rule.”
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
Amy asks her dad, “What is a country?”
Her dad says,
“Where did you hear about countries?”
“Mom told me that when we go to the Olympics, we will see many countries. Are countries different than people,” said Amy
Her dad said, “Amy, think of it this way. Imagine you're at school, and there are groups of kids. Instead of a group, call it a country. Then, there are three countries on the playground. A country is a big group of people.
At the Olympics, in Paris, we’ll see countries from all over the world in one place, Paris, France.
"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."
By DR Rawson
Starting in the late 1940s and into the 1950s with a pair of metal skates, some 2 x 4 wood pine boards, and nerves of steel, skateboarding has grown into a serious professional-level sport.
Today, professional boards are hand-crafted from lightweight composite materials and inline skate wheels.
Skateboarding was admitted into the Olympics in 2020. Japan and Australia won the most awards. It returns in 2024.
The tricks can be scary to watch but don’t hold your breath.
Skateboarders are men, women, boys, and girls from five to seventy-five.
Dude let’s roll. Park or street events show off every move.
