As of this writing, the Olympic Games are only half complete.  Count me among those with serious reservations about the Chinese being granted the world’s greatest showcase for more than two weeks to flaunt their regime to the world.  Nonetheless, the 29th Olympiad has provided opportunity to demonstrate the quality and character of some of America’s best young people, and that we think is Good News. 

How can your heart fail to swell with pride over the achievements of Michael Phelps to become the most decorated Olympian ever, and to do it with class?  Who did not weep with pride right along with Nastia Liukin as the National Anthem played during her Gold Medal ceremony after winning the women’s gymnastic all-around competition?

Phelps and Liukin are representative of all our athletes in Beijing, and scores more that tried but didn’t quite make the final team.  They are also representative of countless more athletes and non-athletes that labor in anonymity rather than the spotlight to be the best they can be and contribute positively in their own way in whatever roll they are called to fulfill. 

There are the sad exceptions, of course, but one of the things that we love about great athletic competition is that it inspires all of us to take pride in our nation, our traditions, and our people.  Young people especially today are in short supply of inspirational roll models.  Hopefully, many will find them in the grace, character, and achievement of America’s Olympians.  Certainly some of us that aren’t so young anymore have been suitably inspired, too.