I'm a huge sports fan too. Your Koufax, Drysdale and Wills, were my Jim Kaat, Zoilo Versalles, Mudcat Grant, Oliva and Killebrew. I still remember our homeroom teacher wheeling a TV set into the classroom so we could watch the 1965 World Series between the Dodgers and the Twins. The result wasn't so great for us Minnesota kids.

Your basketball action shots were great. France's Rudy Gobert is a Minnesota Timberwolf in real life--as you probably already know. We love his defensive skills here. Plus, he's a tough guy.

Thanks for being in France so you could post the last few exciting pages.

Fantastic write up of your Olympics experience! What a special time to be there.

Thanks Kathleen - I'm glad you enjoyed to post.

Thanks Keith - so good to hear from you. The BB finals were indeed very exciting, both men's and women's. Tickets for the women's final were available up until the last few days before the game and I do have some regret not being there. It certainly seemed that France had the USA on the ropes and a bit scared. Certainly the US coach looked nervous! I also was a bit torn in my alligience, but I need a few more years in France to go all in for Les Les bleus vs USA.

I'm glad for your confirmation that the vibe in Paris had spread throughout the country. That was the impression I got from talking to folks who had journeyed to Paris for some of the events. There was a real sense of pride in the country for taking a bold step and succeeding, not just in the medal count but also in the entire vision for the Games. It's a hard act for LA to follow, but something to look forward to.

Thank you Suzanne - I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.

Thanks Rachael - I had a few regrets not joining you and Scott in England but was so glad I made the decision to stay in Paris. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

It was wonderful! The Mayor of Paris has been working hard to have less cars and more bikes in Paris and the weeks of the Olympics were like her dream came true

What a great time. I’m so glad you decided to stay in town for, as you said, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and im really glad we got get courtside reporting from you. Thanks!

Hi,
I am just a little bit jealous of your time at the Olympics, but I’m sure glad you got to go. The basketball finals were thrilling, even though France lost both of them to the USA. Ah yes, my loyalties have changed in the 23 years since I immigrated! The women in particular had a better chance, but in the end the Americans bench strength and more disciplined play saw them through. It will be hard to beat the USA in Los Angeles in four years, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Les bleus (e) are back in the thick of it.
You are right about the mood of the country. It was refreshing to leave the political squabbling aside for two weeks and gather around our national team. We do feel a bit hung over after all the excitement, and frankly, after the Tour de France, the Olympics, and the women’s Tour, I at least feel supersaturated with sports. Speaking of the women’s Tour, it was astonishing to me to see Demi Vollering lose because of a total lack of team support at a critical moment. I’m glad for her that she’s leaving for a new team next year. Props to Kataryzna Niewiadoma for hanging on to win by four seconds, but Vollering was robbed.
Just had a comment from Sue. She got new hearing aids yesterday, and now she notices that I make crunching noises when I eat potato chips!
Waiting for the next installment, wherever you happen to be next.
Cheers,
Keith

Superb! I have never been much as a sports spectator, but your reporting was riveting. Exciting from beginning to end. Thanks! "Everyone watches Women's Sports"!

Yes!

What an amazing experience you had during the Olympics! Your photos and narrative made me feel like I was there.

You sure had a busy day!

What a treat!

Thanks Nancy - I really did have a wonderful time experiencing the Olympics