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  • PHOTO PROVIDED | LONDON 2012 Torchbearer Daniel Mccubbin holds the Olympic Flame inside St Pancras International Railway Station during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Thursday. Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday on KFOR.

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Discussion

July 26, 2012

Residents rev up for Olympic fever

By Thad Ayers The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — The anticipation for the 2012 London Olympics is rising like the mercury outside. Edmond residents braving the heat on South Broadway were happy to voice what they’re looking forward to during the 30th Olympiad.

Carol Shipley of Edmond lit up with excitement about her favorite Olympic event.

“I love the synchronized swimming,” she said. “It’s so graceful. It’s different. It’s something you don’t see much.”

Shopping with her 5-year-old granddaughter Kate, Carol said she appreciates the effort the athletes go to. Kate, who had just left gymnastics class, exclaimed that she was excited about the gymnastics events.

Olympic events like women’s soccer has already begun, but the official opening ceremony celebration begins Friday and the Olympic Games run through Aug. 12.

About 10,490 athletes, including 529 Americans, will participate in 26 sports from 204 countries, according to the U.S. Olympic Committee and the London 2012 games. Up for grabs is 302 bronze, silver and gold medals.

Carol also said she’ll watch the men’s basketball team because three Oklahoma City Thunder players are representing the U.S. Forward Kevin Durant, guard Russell Westbrook and guard James Harden are on the team.

And that adds an extra sense of local pride, said Cathy Smith, of Edmond.

“I’ll probably watch basketball since we’ve got some of our own in it,” she said.

Standing with her husband Robert, whom she’s been with for more than 30 years, the couple reflected on their favorite Olympic moments.

“Hockey. When the U.S. beat the Russians,” said Robert, talking about the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game.

The U.S. Hockey team, a heavy underdog, won winter Olympic gold, 4-3 over the then-Soviet Union team.

“It was the single biggest Olympic event,” Robert said.

For Paul and Lindy Stanley, of Edmond, what they’re looking forward to watching stems from their daughter Natalie’s athletic involvement.

“Our daughter takes swimming,” Paul said. “So that’s sparked an interest in it.”

Lindy added that she also wants to see swimmer Michael Phelps compete in his final games. Phelps’ record-setting eight gold medals in 2008, the most ever, is Lindy’s favorite moment.

“He was just amazing,” she said.

But regardless of the sport, millions will have their televisions stuck on NBC stations and connected to nbcolympics.com to watch the festivities.

Friday’s Opening Ceremony coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on KFOR.

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