Story and photos by Scott Kendall
A Tribute to Our US Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum opened in Colorado Springs this summer. This long anticipated attraction to Olympic City USA is a delightful blend of history, inspiration, technology, and celebration honoring the greatest athletes who have represented the United States.
Olympic Mementos Through the Years
There are many mementos representing athletes through the years. Serena’s tennis shoe and ball, torches used to start our various Olympics, outfits worn by athletes, signed basketballs, Olympic Medals, and so much more.
From the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896 to the upcoming Olympics, thousands of athletes are highlighted. The Museum highlights past athletes like Jesse Owens, Mark Spitz, Michael Jordan, and Peggy Fleming, to current athletes like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps. At this high tech, interactive marvel, the history, personalities, and pageantry of the Olympics and Paralympics all come alive to entertain, educate, and inspire all of us.
Paralympians Are a Big Part of the Museum
Paralympians have been a big part of the Olympics since 1960. Over 4,000 disabled athletes from more than 170 countries competed in the 2016 Olympics, upholding the core values of Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality. Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a neurosurgeon who escaped from Nazi Germany, is often credited with starting the Paralympic Games when he hosted the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948 with sixteen athletes competing on the lawn of the hospital in Buckinghamshire.
One of the best known and most successful Paralympic athletes is the swimmer Trischa Zorn. Although born blind, this tenacious competitor won 55 medals between 1980 and 2004. Included in this total is an incredible 41 gold medals.
In the 2016 Olympics, thousands of paralympic athletes competed in 23 different events for a total of 528 medals. It is very competitive, and these athletes endure a grueling physical and mental preparation for the Games.
Big Moments in Olympic History
We all have our most vivid memories of past Olympics. Some are historic on a major scale, like Jesse Owens winning four gold medals over powerhouse Nazi Germany, the Massacre at Munich, and the Boycott of the 1980 Olympics. Or you may remember Mark Spitz’s seven gold medals, the US Hockey team’s Miracle on Ice victory over the heavily favored Russians, or the more recent dominating performance by Simone Biles and the women’s gymnastics team.
What was your favorite Olympic moment?
Inspiration at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum
Interactive Activities at the Museum
Visitors can immerse themselves in many interactive activities throughout the museum. Race against an Olympian on the interactive track. Zoom down the icy track on the bobsled, or challenge yourself on the downhill slalom. You can also have simulated interviews with your favorite Olympian.
My son and I tested our accuracy on the Archery exhibit. I thought I did fairly well with my score of 25, but then saw my son bested me with a 26. I’ll get you next time, Will!
Put the Olympic and Paralympic Museum on Your Agenda
If you find yourself in Olympic City, USA, be sure to make time for a trip to the Olympic and Paralympic Museum. This new addition to the wonderful city of Colorado Springs will be one of the highlights of your trip!
