It’s been difficult to not watch the Olympics. The past week has been the Swimming Olympics and I’ve enjoyed watching the races and cheering for Team USA!
Did you know that US Olympic athletes who win a medal also win a cash honorarium from the US government? That was news to me.
Gold=$25,000
Silver=$15,000
Bronze=$10,000
Cash honorarium means the athletes do pay taxes on their win. That’s why this has risen to the headlines.
Olympic athletes come in all shapes and sizes. This graphic depicts the perfect swimmer, if built from scratch. Basically, Missy Franklin. Her long arms, large hands (paddles), size 13 feet (flippers), wide shoulders, and 6’1″ frame all help her propel through the water with speed and strength.
Last weekend the Wall Street Journal featured a very interesting article (Bodies Built for Gold) that discusses the physical advantage of five athletes whose training, along with their height, strength, etc. could help them win gold.
And finally, did you know that tug-of-war used to be an Olympic sport? And even rope climbing? No joke! From 1900-1920 teams competed in tug-of-war and rope climbing was in the Games in 1896, 1904, 1906, 1924, 1932, as part of the final event of the gymnastics competition. (Source)
What sport or activity would you like to see in the Olympics?
Apples and Arteries 
I love learning about olympic bodies, I think it breaks out of that societal stereotype of the tiny skinny females, it is all about strength.
Missy Franklin, are you my body double?! Size 13 feet, 6’1″?! SOUL SISTERS!!
Now, fork over that honorarium.
I now wear size 11 shoes but used to have 12s…in middle school…before women’s shoes in 11, 12, etc were readily available! Good to see so many tall girls!
I also wear 10.5/11 shoes and am 5’9. Amazons unite!! ❤
Woo-hoo! Sometime I’ll have to write a post about tall comments I get from strangers.
Had no idea that tug-o-war used to be an Olympic sport! Great post!
Wow, our athletes don’t get anything for medals – our first two gold medallists, female rowers, go back to work soon; one as a teacher and one in the Army!
That’s really interesting that they analysed athletes’ bodies – and I’d love it if tug-of-war was still an Olympic sport 🙂
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