With this past weekend's incredible Opening Ceremonies of the 2008
Olympic Games in Beijing, the eyes of the world are now glued to
Michael Phelps attempt to win eight gold medals at the swimming venue.
He is definitely on track to beating Mark Spitz seven gold medals for
swimming. And twenty four years ago in Los Angeles, it was an exciting
time when the US Swimming Team did an exceptional job during many of
the swimming competitions at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. My
assignment was Photo & Press Marshall at the Swimming / Diving /
Synchronized Swimming at the USC Olympic Pool. It was one of the
greatest experiences to volunteer at this venue during the Olympics
assisting and coordinating reporters from around the world including
ABC Sports who had the contract for televising the games. The swimming
venue during the first week of the games were definitely the most
exciting place to be since the US Swimming team dominated the pool. The
LA Olympics created swimming sensations such as Rowdy Gaines, Steve
Lundquist, Nancy Hogshead, Mary Meagher, Tracy Caulkins…and yes, the
young Dara Torres. It will be exciting to see if Dara Torres can pull
off the gold as one of the oldest athletes (at age 41) on this year's
US Olympic Team. Stay tuned.