In gym class, I could never get the rhythm of the synchronized jumping jacks. I ducked every time a softball came across the plate when it was my turn to bat. And, my pitiful volleyball serve lost many points for the blue team. When it became fashionable to join a fitness club, I reluctantly signed up and joined the beginner aerobics class. As in school, I bounced to my own embarrassing rhythm in the first class and never returned. I joined a 5K charity event once and finished with the moms with small children in tow. My kids were with their Dad that weekend, so that’s no excuse. I just could not keep pace with the weekend athletes. I now accept my athletic shortcomings which is why I am in awe of persons who can athletically excel.
I remember several years ago, Fred Newhouse served on the Extend the View capital campaign committee for Prairie View A&M University. I was the external campaign consultant, a Senior Consultant for Ketchum. He brought something special to the meeting – his Olympic Gold Medal. Fred won the Gold in the 1976 Track & Field 4x400m Men’s Relay. I asked to hold it. Fred placed the Olympic Gold gently in the palm of my hand. I will never forget that special moment.
Throughout my career as a campaign consultant, I met two other Olympic champions. Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines served as chief fundraiser for USA Swimming when I consulted on their campaign to launch a fundraising initiative. He claimed three Gold Medals in 1984 for the USA in Swimming. This same association introduced me to Dara Torres. She participated in her first Olympic Swimming competition in 1984 when she was 17 years old. In total, Dara went to the Olympics five times – most recently in 2008 at age 41. She is an amazing women and admirable athlete who won a total of 11 Olympic Swimming Medals: four Gold, three Silver, and four Bronze.
My career caused my life to be touched by each of these Olympic stars. And similarly, my career brought me to Switzerland within reach of a place I probably would not have otherwise visited. On a rainy gray day, my husband Ed and I took the train from Geneva to Lausanne. Our destination was The Olympic Museum.
The same feeling of enchantment that struck me while holding Fred’s Gold Medal came over me again when I saw the Olympic Fire outside the museum. I felt intense emotions seeing this flame which to me represents the tradition of the Olympic flame, human strength, and determination. Perhaps that is why I lingered most on Level 0 of the museum where the flame torches of past Olympic relays are displayed. This same area traces the ancient history of the games through the Olympic Movement to the organization of the Olympic Games today. All fascinating when you consider the passion that has sustained throughout the ages for the Olympic Games.
Exhibits of Summer and Winter Games show the evolution of skis, sleds, and clothing used in the games. An interactive screen let me search for the results of Fred, Rowdy, and Dara. Results I already knew. Another display held treasured examples of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals from past Olympic events. And, perhaps the closest I will ever come to riding in a bobsled was the video of a ride that almost made me feel like I was part of the team. I watched it three times.
After experiencing the Olympic Museum, I recommend it to all. There’s a restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Photos are permitted. Admission was reasonable. Jumping jacks are not necessary.
The Olympic Museum
Quai d’ Ouchy 1-CP
1001 Lausanne
Switzerland
www.olympic.org
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