Happy 100th Birthday

The 100th birthday of the Olympics in Atlanta was indeed exciting while I was working for the AOB, Atlanta Olympic Broadcasting. Today, however, would have been my mother’s 100th birthday, therefore will cover the ‘96 games later in the blog and share a bit about how my mom, Marion Wimberg, became so much a part of the Olympic Spirit.

I arrived home from the Mexico ’68 games in time to surprise my mom and dad for their wedding anniversary. Picked up my ’63 VW ragtop beetle in California and drove cross country. Stopped on the mainland close to Absecon Island and painted large white letters “Happy Anniversary” on my windshield, crossed The Margate Bridge and got a police escort as I tooted my way to their front door. Such fun Olympic stories, so many questions; they wanted to hear everything in detail. It was even more fun for me to see their faces light up as I told them of my adventures. My dad loved the stories as much as his anniversary present, a live Mexican beetle with a little gold chain that was decorated with green and red rhinestones. My mom just loved hearing more about the Olympic games.

After I found a place to call home during the ’76 Games in Montreal, I phoned my mom. It did not take much to convince her that she should come to Canada. I can still picture her so clearly. She walked around the venues with great dignity and enthusiasm in her navy blue blazer with a few perfectly sewn Olympic patches. Many people approached her and she would answer their questions with delight. We were invited to several extra curricular activities. Am not quite sure which she liked best, seeing Nadia win gold in gymnastics or being invited to the vip parties. (She did enjoy a bit of shopping as well and she purchased some gold coins. Am not sure where they are today, hmmm.)

Her sense of awe, which she seemed to have every day of her earthly life, was at it’s peak when she experienced The Opening Ceremony at the L.A.’84 Olympics.

For me she continues, along with Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Juan Antonio Samaranch, and Jack Poole, to be an incredibly important part of the Olympic Spirit.

Happy 100th Birthday Marion Wimberg!