Let the games begin ... and never end

Lately, I've felt a bit like a sports nut. I've found myself glued to the television screen watching an array of talented athletes.

First, there's the U.S. Olympic Trials for gymnastics, swimming and track and field.

My husband pointed out that he is most impressed with gymnasts above all other athletes for the summer Olympics. He explained that he can't even fathom doing what they are able to do athletically, while athletes in other sports are simply doing things faster and better.

He's got a point.

I can swim. I can run. Just not as fast or as well as those who are headed to the Olympics. But those men and women who are competing in gymnastics are completely amazing. I can't even imagine doing what they do. It takes amazing skill, strength and discipline. I love watching the uneven bars and the balance beam events, especially.

If you have a chance, make sure you check out at least some of the gymnastics coverage of the Olympics in Beijing later this summer. You'll be impressed.

The Wimbledon tennis competition was also broadcast on television recently and I had a chance to watch Sunday's championship match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It was one of the most amazing tennis matches I have ever watched and by the end, I wasn't even pulling for either one to win. I just wanted it to continue.

The match was covered on NBC and the program was called "Breakfast at Wimbledon" because it started in the morning. However, it lasted most of the afternoon, as well, due to three rain delays and five sets. The match lasted nearly five hours yet the two tennis players barely looked winded, even at the end.

It was heartbreaking to watch the reigning tennis champ be beat but also exciting to watch as a young athlete begins to reach his prime.

I never ventured too far from the television on Sunday, for fear of missing the conclusion to the epic tennis match. And since it lasted well into the afternoon here (and evening in England, where it was held) the Twins baseball game had started before the match was done.

Then, I had to flip between channels. I didn't spend too long on one channel for fear that I'd miss something exciting on the other.

The Twins were playing the Cleveland Indians and were facing Cliff Lee, one of the top pitchers in the league. He was on top of his game until the Twins began to eat away at the Indians' lead. Once again, the Twins came through and won.

The young team has been quite the surprise this year and some young athletes have really started to shine. I'm excited to see what the rest of the season brings.

Watching great athletes on television makes me want to become a better athlete. It makes me want to practice my tennis serve, run a little faster than I did last week and spend a little more time lifting weights.

I may not make it to the Olympics, but I'll feel good about myself for working harder.