Every four years, the Olympic Summer Games unite the world in
celebration. The Summer Olympiad will take place in London, England from July
27th through August 12th.
A total of 306 events will be held across 26 sports. Most are
familiar with the Olympic staples: Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Swimming.
However, a number of previous sports might come as somewhat of a surprise.
Tug of War – from 1900-1920
Rope Climb – in five Olympics from 1896-1932
Solo Synchronized Swimming – from 1984-1992
Roque (a form of Croquet) – in 1904
While it would have been cool to watch some of these seemingly
unusual events, there are certainly plenty of upcoming events to be excited about.
Further, the Olympics provide ample opportunity for sampling new drinks and
even learning about other cultures. Michael Phelps, Serena Williams,
Men’s/Women’s Basketball, Misty May-Traenor, and Natalie Coughlin are all
expected to bring home medals for the United States. And be sure to check out
Steven Lopez, US Taekwondo Champion. He
won Gold at the 2009 World Championships, and Gold at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics
and this might be his last games. Let’s cheer him on! Source
Some say that the premier event of the Olympics is the Men’s
100m Dash. This year’s favorites are both from Jamaica. Usain Bolt is the
current “World’s Fastest Man” and the 2008 Gold Medalist in the event. However,
he has some serious competition from his own countryman, Yohan Blake who finished
faster than Bolt in the Jamaican Olympic Trials.
This is likely to be a very exciting event and one that might be
well-complemented by a Red Stripe Jamaican Lager.
The global celebration might also spark interest in cocktails
with an international flair. For example, with London six hours ahead of those
of us on the east coast, us, we might find ourselves watching events during
late morning brunch. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and
enjoy a Circoc Peach Bellini (1.25 oz. Ciroc Peach, and a splash of Champagne),
a true taste of France. You might as well, as the French Minister of Sport
expects France to be very busy this Olympics, with a target of 41 medals, and 14
Gold!
If Bellini’s aren’t your thing, try a refreshing, European
Lager such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Nastro Azzurro is Italian for “Blue Ribbon,”
as the bottle’s label suggests. In Italian culture, the Blue Ribbon is given as
a top honor, representing the highest quality. Many Italians are looking to
grab top honors this year at the Olympics, especially Niccolo Compriani who
will be competing in the Shooting/Rifle competitions. He’s 24, and already has
won Gold at the 2009 European Championships, and Silver at the 2010 World
Championships. Source
At GAP, we are very much looking forward to cheering on the
US teams. And, whatever your favorite
events or refreshments, please enjoy the games responsibly.
