100th Anniversary Olympics

What a whirlwind...constant activities during the Atlanta games. Pictured: My IBC Team, my daughter Marion also worked during the games and helped me in the IBC and is pictured on the field after ceremonies with cast, hanging banners in the Georgia Dome/Broadcasting Center/IBC, Eleanor Weems (former pilot during WWII) and her daughter Francis made a visit, Chris Wimberg, cousin, is at Track and Field next to former President Carson, there's Ralph Salazar great boss, Maureen Smith who rented her basement to us is with Marion, ( her home was only 5 or 10 minutes from the Olympic Village before the games, but then, when games began transportation changed in Atlanta, it became one hour! Transportation in Atlanta, for many, a huge drawback ) Cocacola part of the games for many, the head of the Olympic Museum which was inside the IBC, and last but not least there's the pin trading tent with Mike Miller! Another visual that gives me butterflies!!!

My Awesome Olympic Broadcasting Crew

Olympic Mascots

 Such Cleverly Designed Olympic Mascots with Such Clever Names!

We All Celebrated at the Salt Lake 2002 Games

Such festive gatherings with my friend Shirley, Art, my daughter Marion (who turned 21 during the games) and my son Don. Shirley and I drove over to Utah from California. We met up with Shirley's good friend Art, who was once head of European Broadcasters and was working in the IBC during the Olympics. Don traded Olympics license plates and worked the food consessions.  During that year Marion was an undergrad at Saddleback University and was assistant manager at The Ritz Starbucks Coffee Shop close to our home. The Starbucks in Salt Lake City needed plenty of experienced workers so she was able to work during the games. The Swiss House was one of our favorite meeting places. The group shot on the bottom with all of us was taken during part of the Park City excitement!

Global Pandemic: Time to Search Olympic Stories of the Past

During this Global Pandemic I have taken on new projects during the Zoom-boom. Enjoyed a few family zooms and one was a family collaboration. We produced a short puppet show To celebrate my sister's fiftieth anniversary. Our family is spread out globally so the puppets from Wellington, Raglan and Auckland NZ joined the puppets here in USA from NJ, HI, WA and CA. 

One of the classes "I Can't Breathe" was held during the summer protests following the tragedy of George Floyd. An incredible group from Chestnut Hill College on the outskirts of Philadelphia PA opened more minds and more hearts in a mission that has been ongoing not only since Mexico Olympic 1968 but has been going on for centuries. The President of the college, Sister Carol Jean Vale knew that a class like this was needed in a timely manner and dialogue was necessary for those who could not join the protesters of BLM. 

Another class, an autobiography class, also this past Summer, has inspired me to get back into my Olympic Stories. 

So from some photos, some journals and some of my scraps that tell stories, I am back into random blogging.

Mexico 68, Retro-Futuristic Olympic Design

                                               
                                           

Gotta love that design...not only because the official logo is one of the finest designs of all the Olympic Games, but because it was an incredibly awesome Olympic experience for me. When I look at the few items i have from 1968 my head swirls with memories that led me to work for CBS News during those games.

One of those memories of mine of how it all began...was Japan. Yes, where the Olympic Games will be held next year in 2020. But the last time the Summer games were held was in 1964. I was not living there then but in 1966 I was. While bike riding around Tokyo to my various English teaching jobs in 1966 the olympic excitement or the olympic spirit must have still been floating around.

I lived in a small Japanese home, 4 1/2 tatami mats, in Roppongi. (That building was torn down to make way for a super large building/city in the sky, Roppongi Hills!!) My bike was old but looked quite spiffy. I was stopped and asked if i would sign autographs at least half a dozen times. The first time it happened i was totally confused. Then with every request, was a bow with the word or words "Olympic" or "You, Olympic lady". Dang the Olympic fever must have spread all over the place and and stayed around for a few years. The Olympics were held there, in Tokyo, in 1964. And in 1966 there were so few foreigners they assumed that i was an athlete. But as i started to say, those folks that stopped me so pleasantly made me think often about the Olympic Games. I also thought about my mom's dear friend, Eleanor Weems who said to me during the Summer of 1960 when my sister Lois and I lived with her family in Long Beach CA to attend LBSC...

"Carole, I hope some day you are able to go to the Olympics...some day."

One Glass from Mexico Olympics 1968

Yet many Toasts praising Mexican hosts!

Mexico Olympics 1968, It's Been Fifty Years!

All signage was done SO artistically. Our crew usually looked for a large P for prensa.
This is Mustapha Majoul who worked for the Tunisa Press or Broadcasting in 1968.

I didn't take too many photos, i think i was too busy. 
But here's one i took with my little minox camera.
(Found this one among my olympic pins last week!)

      Oley!

"Olympin" Collectors, Long Beach California

Who doesn't love that awesome fun-loving 

group of Olympic pin collectors? 

Drove to Long Beach for the Annual Coin Collector's Show, September 6, 2018. Olympin members were well represented. Silent auction at the reception that followed was a hit! Great job everyone and thanks for making sure I made it there Pam Litz!

Loved seeing familiar faces. Although it was a quick visit for me, had a few good chuckles when I saw Randy Parsons who I crossed paths with at many Olympic Games. I suppose the most incredible time was bumping into him moments before I entered Beijing's Opening Ceremony.

Long story but attending Beijing's Opening Ceremony is one of the reasons that I needed to write this. My first entries to this blog, which were written while I was in Beijing during 2008, give details.

I'll go back and read some of my early posts now...just to double...the enjoyment of games! 

Long Beach Olympic Pin Show Next Week

Am on the West Coast again, in time to hopefully make it to the Long Beach Convention Center next week for the Olympin Show. Might just go and enjoy some of those fun loving PIN TRADERS! Top photo is in one of the oldest pubs in London, the Swan Pub, where some of my best trades were made during the 2012 games. 

The Olympics, Yet Again, a Catalyst for Peace in the World

Today North Korea announced that it WILL participate in the 2018 Olympic Games.

At the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in the year 2000, North and South Korea marched into the grand Opening Ceremony together. There is little doubt in my mind that there was more cheering in that stadium than ever before! This time, no doubt, cheers from the spectators in the stadium and around the world will cheer on and on and on and on as South Korea WITH North Korea march into the Opening Ceremony together.

And now I will take this opportunity to apologize to you for the leader of my country. (He is feared around the world as much, if not possibly more, than the leader of North Korea.) There is a great chance that you might hear him claiming the glory of it all, he might say, "Because of me, this wonderful event is happening. They are walking into the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Games together because of me." So, in advance, 

just in case he talks like that... 

I beg your pardon.

New Year 2018 Message from North Korea

The Olympics Games, yet again, could be a catalyst for peace.

The new year opened with the leader of North Korea reminding the world and threatening that the nuclear button is always close by. Then in the same annual address he expressed a desire to participate in the Olympic Games. 

Many people in the world consider Kim Jong Un a threat to peace (as many do our potus) and are surprised that he is expressing a desire to have his country participate in the games. Must remind myself over and over...it is not the people it is the government that threatens war. 

Am also reminded that in the year 2000 at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, North and South Korea marched into the grand Opening Ceremony together. The cheers from the spectators were overwhelmingly supportive, they cheered on and on! Again, together they were, North Korea and South Korea, for the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 Turin Olympics. 

An Olympic Pin Wishing You "Happy New Year"!

Fine Arts as a major led me into Education, Education led me into technology. Now one of my desires is to return to the Arts and paint Olympic works of art and perhaps even design a pin.

I was given several pins then started collecting pins. Never collected seriously, simply added to my collection if a pin was interesting, had a good message or was designed well.

There are many pins out there, even official pins, that didn't catch my eye. But this is an example of one pin in my "preferred box" collection from 2002 that is interesting, well designed and has a message. No doubt most folks who were preparing for the games for so many years were delighted to finally move into the year of the games.

Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018 with a photo of a 2002 pin from my collection!

Happy New Year Olympic Pin
Salt Lake, January 1, 2002
It is interesting, well designed and tells a story!

Happy New Year 2018...Long Live The Olympic Games

If you have read some previous posts on this blog, you might know why my enthusiasm for the Olympic Games is...ongoing.

Perhaps because I lived in so many different countries my desire for peace in the world is also...ongoing.

When you love so many countries and their culture, their music, their people...The Olympics, a conduit of Peace in the whole world, sustains your confidence in humanity and for me and many other Olympic friends, quite simply, the Olympic movement gives us a sense of balance.

Tonight, new year celebrations from Sydney's famous bridge, New York's Times Square, Paris's Eiffle Tower to Dubai's Light Show...the world celebrated beautifully. When all the energy comes together at the ceremonies of the Olympic Games, my heart soars!

Long Live the Olympic Games.

Happy New Year.

Announcement Today Firming Up the Future Olympic Cities

Paris will become the Olympic City in 2024. C'est magnifique!!
"Land to build the Olympic Park won't be available later. 2024 or not at all"

Los Angeles will become the Olympic City in 2028. This is magnificent!!
"Stadiums already to go, plenty of time to plan, transportation will be great"

We knew beforehand but today the announcement came from IOC.

It is firm. Alleluia!

Time for me to get creative. Will gather my art supplies! 

Ah, The "Visualness" of our Olympics in Los Angeles

Olympic Games Los Angeles California 1984
Crowd participation and computer graphics in the 80's!
Among my preferred Olympic "Scraps that Tell Stories".

Marion Wimberg, my mom, was part of that audience.
It was one of biggest thrills of her lifetime.

Visual Olympics

Colors beaming freely 

Flags waving wildly

Athletes training seriously

Teams competing proudly

Families cheering fiercely

Smiles reflecting beautifully

Bodies leaping strenuously

Minds focusing intensely

Logos worn conspicuously

Pins trading constantly

Music playing ceremoniously

Countries competing peacefully

Flame shining globally

Spirits mixing universally

      - c wimberg cadora

Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028...Opa!

Will be entering more posts during the month of August but in the meantime...so excited to know that it sounds 'quite clear' that the Olympics will be coming to Los Angeles in 2028! 

Can't help smiling when I think of those 1984 Olympic memories:

Wide open freeways

Taking my son pin trading while carrying my daughter in a baby backpack

Helping MomMom Wimberg experience one of the highlights of her life, The Opening Ceremony

The music and excitement of the Olympic Village at USC

Trips to the venues in Pasadena, UCLA, Mission Viejo, San Diego

The huge inflated six pack where Sam the Eagle and fun pin traders gathered

Opening our home to our out-of-state family

USA Wrestling Team WILL Head for Iran

The ban has been lifted for the USA Wrestling Team and visas will be granted by Iran. At this time, the wrestling team and wrestling delegation will be allowed by the government to head to Kermanshah, Iran to compete in the World Cup. The Freestyle World Cup is scheduled for this month, February 2017. This brings back hope to wrestlers wishing to possibly compete in the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. 

Iran Reacts to Trump's Travel Ban

There were concerns about incoming athletes coming to the USA from the seven banned countries. Now, as it stands, athletes coming to the USA to compete will become an exception to the rule.

However, in the meantime, the government of Iran has issued a statement in retaliation. It will not allow USA athletes to enter Iran. The wrestling athletes were due to depart for Iran next week.

Olympic Movement Builds Bridges Not Walls

The Executive Order/Travel Ban will not affect all athletes coming to USA thanks to the United States Olympic Committee and the World Olympian Association. The USOC and WOA have worked these last few days to help pave a clear path for athletes to enter and compete in the USA even though initially they were banned.

Mayor Garcetti of Los Angeles sounds more committed than ever to host and bring the games back to L.A. The present executive order to ban travel for ninety days he says “unfairly targets refugees”.  No doubt The Refugee Team that competed in Rio de Janeiro, who won the hearts of all, will grow larger.

Once a city becomes an 'Olympic Host City' it morphs into a magical place where the joy of the Opening Ceremony and the spirit of the olympic flame unites the smiles of the world.  A host city becomes a place that brings togetherness peacefully...people from all countries and now

...people without countries. 

The Olympic movement has traditionally built bridges

...not walls.

Travel Ban Hinders Hopes for Los Angeles 2024

PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022 and...Los Angeles 2024?

No doubt Trump's Travel Ban has caused great concern this week for one of the candidate cities for 2024 Olympics, Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee does not comment on the politics of sovereign countries, however I believe there is a possibility, because of the travel ban, that LA could possibly be removed from the list of candidates.

I think of Korea in 2018 and am reminded of the "World Harmony" theme of 1988. What fun co-ambassadors will bring to us all in Tokyo 2020 with Anime favorites Naruto, Luffy, Shin Chan, Pretty Cure, Sailor Moon, and Astroboy. No doubt in 2022 Beijing will delight us all with another awesome opening ceremony with a theme similar to 2008, "One World, One Dream". But with a travel ban no dreaming for our Californians am afraid to say, no LA 2024. 

California...beautiful California...where Walt Disney and many others have "opened their golden gates" and helped to make many peaceful happy dreams come true for people all over the world.

"Gold Zone" Awesome Olympic Highlights

Live! Screen split in 4 ways, excellent coverage of the highlights of EACH DAY!

Tune in to GOLD ZONE.  

Don't miss this NOW.

NBColympics.com app!!

The Day Before Rio's Opening Ceremony 2016, My Prediction

Quite simply,
I believe that
the highlight
of these
Olympic games
will be
the
spirited
passionate
enthusiasm
of the people of Brazil.

The Olympic Movement a "Ray of Sunshine"

For Avery Brundage, former head of the IOC for 20 years, the Olympic movement was a "ray of sunshine through clouds of racial animosity, religious bigotry and political chicanery". "Here at the Olympics, there is no injustice of caste, of race, of family or of wealth."

As for me, after living in Saigon in the mid sixties during the war and having wonderful friends that were killed there, the Olympics gave me hope for peace everywhere. The Mexico Olympics of 1968 demonstrated that all cultures could come together in peace. People of the world were smiling, chatting, laughing, and singing together. The Olympic flame lifted up this heart of mine and the spark and its glow is imbedded...it has never left me. So did the magic of all the flags of the world flying together. So did the music of those grand mariachis.

At the Opening Ceremony so many birds of peace were freed, after the Closing Ceremony the field became a massive celebration of all cultures mixing together...the world was dancing as one.

Yah Mr. Brundage, I agree.

The Olympics are a ray of sunshine.                                              

Ancient Olympics and Emperor Theodosius

The Games were part of history as far back 776 BC!  An olive wreath was given to the winner of the ancient games.  Additional games and prizes were added over hundreds of years. Prizes became quite grand, so grand that by 393 AD bribery and corruption caused Emperor Theodosius to ban the games! 

Frank Shorter Remembers Munich 1972

This morning, stopped everything to listen to NPR's interview of Frank Shorter, Olympic runner, speak about his experience of living in the Olympic Village in 1972.

He gazed in wonder, as I did, at the strange visual of first, one man, then two men with black covered faces (probably black socks with holes cut out) who held rifles on the small patio inside the Olympic Village. This patio was very close to the public walkway that almost everyone used to enter the Olympic Stadium. Frank was inside the village. I was outside the village on my way to the stadium. I walked slowly then stopped as only a few others did. Most folks kept walking. Like Frank, I had never seen anything like this before.  This might have been one of the first, or among the first terrorist attacks.  Frank was an easy target and I was. Did we or most of the people outside or inside the Olympic Village on this beautiful morning know what was going on inside? Not at all.

Most of you now know the sad story that unfolded that day and evening. So sad for the Israeli Team, for Germany, for the future Olympics and for most of the world.

Many of you do not know that when the terrorists entered the Olympic Village and climbed over the fence late the night before or very early that morning, they blended in with the team members from other countries who were out late partying.  Even the nice guys on other teams helped lift their duffle bags over the fence, of course not realizing what was inside those bags. (Yes the same kind of stuff that was symbolically placed in a huge pile, and made into a man made mountain, part of the Olympic Park. Buried guns, tanks and ammunition from WWII but covered with greenery symbolized "no more war")

Oh My Rio

Will be posting often during these Olympic weeks and will weave in

1)  Reflections of my exciting life in Rio during the 1970's

2)  Slices of synthesizing news with my experience at 12 Olympic Games

3)  News items and human interest stories as Rio 2016 unfolds.

Must preface: prior to every Olympic Games, there are issues that simply evaporate after the Opening Ceremony.  The magic of the ENERGY of the togetherness of our human family from all nations... chatting face to face, singing, dancing, playing, exchanging smiles etc...takes over!

Brexit

During London’s 2012 Olympics I sat in The Swan Pub with a group of Brits who were predicting the future and breaking away from the EU.  “Some day” they said, “Some day!”  

While they chatted with me, I remember thinking about Taiwan.  During my Summer in Taipei in 1967 so many of the people used the same phase, “Some day”,  “Some day”.  The people who had to leave mainland China had been dreaming and planning on returning and leading that country. “Some day” “Some day”.

Today’s big news that 52% of the people voted to leave the European Union rattled the world. It continues to rattle.

These unchartered waters are sad, so sad, for many, and very happy for others, including a few of my buddies from one of the oldest pubs in England, where democracy began!!

Their day has come. Their “Some day”, “Some day” is..........TODAY!

Olympic Taeqwondo

Olympic Taeqwondo, Barcelona 1992

Taeqwondo was a "demonstration sport" during the 1992 games.

It was introduced during the 1988 games in Korea. It became a

full medal sport during the games in Australia, Sydney 2000.