THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE!

Every four years, the Olympic Summer Games unite the world in celebration. The Summer Olympiad will take place in London, England from July 27^th through August 12^th.  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

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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! 

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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.