Olympic-Sized Letdown

There is little else so inspiring as thousands of athletes performing extrodinary feats. There is also little else that can make me feel like such a loser. It just blows my mind that people in their early 20s (or in China's case, early teens - ba-zing!) are competing for the the highest athletic award in the world.

The Olympics are so exciting and colorful and eventful. I look forward to Bob Costas and his perfect hair and corny commentary. All the build-up to the opening ceremony, topped off by the fact they always begin at the longest, most boring part of the summer add to the magic. It's the equivalent of Christmas in August - only better because you don't have to go shopping. I love the clutch wins, shocking injuries, and dramatic back-stories.

It's a pretty sweet deal to watch world-class athletes competing at their prime. It's such a letdown when the Olympics are over. It's like the time of year after New Year's where there is nothing to look forward to until spring. And, if it's a let down for me, the viewer, you know it's got to be a let down for the athletes.

For most of these people, it's the pinnacle of their careers. For some, maybe the highlight of their lives. Some of these people are in their 30s and have spent majority of their lives working toward their athletic goals. So what do they do when they are finished?

In town, there is a former Olympic and world record pole vaulter - Billy Olson. And do you know what he does? He runs a bail bond. How do you even make the transition from pole vaulter to bailbondsmen? How do you make the transition from part-time Home Depot employee and wrestler to a regular job? How indeed.