For those that know me, know that I'm a huge sports fan and that I can be one of the most sappy people in the world. As I watched KU win another basketball game last night against Nebraska, and the Washington Caps beat the Pittsburgh Penguins today and as I look forward to the KU v. Texas basketball game tomorrow, I think about all the memorable sports events I have heard, watched or have been told about and I get chocked up thinking about how much sports are an influence in my life. Some are real and some are fictional, from various tv shows or movies over the years.
I love to get emotional about great moments in sports history - fictional or non fictional, because they motivate me, they give me inspiration. I can't possibly think of all the greatest moments in sports but I can think of those that are most meaning to me. So here is a list of my favorite (non fictional and then fictional) sports events:
1. Miracle On Ice - still one of my most memorable sports moments. I remember watching this game, when I was 10, then reading the book, then watching the movie that came out in 2004. Al Michaels "Do you believe in Miracles" quote - I now know how much this meant to Americans, at the time I was too young to understand. Every time I watch this movie, hear Al Michaels talk about it or watch the YouTube video I get a tear in my eye because this is a real life story about heroes, they overcame odds to win the gold medal when nobody thought they could do it.
2. Sian Welch & Wendy Ingraham - Kona Ironman 1997 - if you have never seen these ladies compete then look them up on YouTube, you need to watch it. These women battled for a 4th place finish at the biggest Ironman event, by crawling across the finish line. Their bodies had given up but their minds didn't. I still cry when I watch this video.
3. Lance Armstrong - There is no need to say anything more than his name. He is the most amazing athlete, human being, American that exists today. Yes I'm a fan, he has had an amazing career and being a 7 time Tour de France winner is amazing but his story as a cancer survivor is more amazing.
4. Dan Jansen - you remember him the guy that promised a gold medal in speed skating to his sister in the 1988 Olympics and then wiped out. He didn't finish that promise to his sister till the 1994 Olympics.
5. Sara Reinertsen - 1st time women, full leg amputee to finish Kona Ironman (yes I'm a fan). She was on the Amazing Race show, wrote a book and will be part of the 2010 Iron Girl Columbia. Her story proves that if you never give up on yourself you can be successful.
6. Team Hoyt - I'm sorry that I'm focused on the Triathlon community but again if you haven't' heard of them look them up. They are heroes, a father and son combo that has finished many races, including Kona Ironman. I won't give you more info, because I want you to look them up and hear their story, it's meaningful.
Now on to fictional quotes that apply to every day life:
1. Friday Night Lights Pre Game Speech - MY HEART is FULL.
2. We are Marshall - Pre Game Speech at Cemetery - while based on a true story, I'm not 100% sure the quotes are true so I thought it best to include it here, Speech is about overcoming adversity and about HEART - lay your heart on the line.
3. Remember the Titans - Coach Boone Speech at Gettysburg about coming together no matter race or religion. Respect each other!