Community Corner

Local Family Sees Olympic Cauldron, Track and Field Events

Here's the latest update from the Hetzel family of Libertyville!

Charles Hetzel shared the following update about his family's visit in London. Enjoy!

"Inspirations and Generations …

Those are the two words that come to mind as we spent our fourth day in London here as a family here watching the 30th Olympiad Games.

Generations

We feel today really inspired us as we thought about what the Olympics mean to the men and women athletes and the spectators who travelled here or viewers around the world. As we watched the first day of Athletics (Track and Field) we reflected on how the originators in Greece participated in the first Olympic games and passed on many traditions to the Modern era including some of the very events we witnessed today — sprints, javelin, the marathon, etc.

The true Olympic spirit has been so visible in these games from athletes congratulating each other, being gracious in victory and defeat and in giving it their all. We saw one heat of the Women’s 100 meter sprint that included runners from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in full traditional cultural wear who did not qualify for the semifinals round but gave it their all. They do not have the full support of their home country support or likely the training facilities yet they they embody the spirit of Citius, Altius, Fortius or Faster, Higher, Stronger.

One poignant moment today was in the Men’s 3000m steeplechase event when an Ethiopian runner was injured on the first lap. Instead of quitting, he hobbled through six more laps until he was severely injured when clipping the last hurdle. The entire stadium of 80,000 fans were cheering him on to finish the race. He then collapsed and was helped off. We were speechless due to his courageous effort and the support from fans.

On a more personal note, we helped our children Wills and Cecily connect to their late maternal Grandmother’s British heritage by visiting Sarah’s brief London early childhood home in Belgravia. Sarah’s mother Cecily was certainly smiling from above while we visited and would have loved seeing Cecily and Wills enjoy a traditional English Tea at Brown’s Hotel this afternoon.

Inspirations

The London 2012 motto is 'Inspire a Generation.' We are seeing those words come to life daily. Many seats here at the venues were affordably priced for youth and families as well as Military personnel. Empty seats are being donated to Police and Military personnel.

UK children are visible in many volunteer roles. Families from all over the world have travelled here to be a part of the Olympic spirit. Today we saw thousands of British citizens rooting on 'Team GB' with so much pride we couldn’t help but join in on the cheers ourselves, especially for their Women’s Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis.

We too have been inspired. Over the past two days, we have been spectators in sports my wife (Tennis) and I (track and field) played in college as well as running events our kids participate in at camp and school. It’s so incredible to see first-hand the culmination of all the training these athletes go through to reach this level and you can’t help to be in awe of their ability and commitment. We can see the spark in our children’s eyes as they contemplate their dedication to Athletic sports.

For those watching the Games from afar, we would love for you to know that London is an incredible host city and as the picture we took while leaving Olympic Stadium shows, they truly are brilliant at 'Inspiring a Generation.'

Cheers! Tomorrow we return to Olympic Stadium for a full day of exciting track and field including Gold Medal events."

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

See more about the Hetzel family's trip to the London Olympics:

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here