Honor The Games Poem by William Chaplar

Olympiads are often filled with tales that motivate.
And listed here are some that many find to be first rate.
And there may even be a few that bring about a tear or two.
So let's give credit where it's due by honoring the games.

Jesse Owens lived a dream in 1936.
In track and field, he reigned supreme in 1936.
Four times he won Olympic gold. Three solo events he controlled.
Feats that have made his name extolled since 1936.

Bob Mathias broke the mold in 1948
when he won the decathlon gold in 1948.
Accomplishing what had never been, 'cause he was only seventeen.
The youngest winner ever seen in 1948.

A man named Zatopek won fame in 1952
as distance running's biggest name in 1952.
No one believed he'd be so bold, but in three races he took gold.
Tales of his exploits have been told since 1952.

Bob Beamon took a flying leap in 1968.
And so, Olympic gold he'd reap in 1968.
He added nearly two feet more to what was the existing score
when twenty-nine feet plus he soared in 1968.

The summer games had quite a fright in 1972
which forced the whole world to unite in 1972.
In Munich, eleven people died, and the games were briefly set aside
so folks could mourn them planet-wide in 1972.

A guy named Mark Spitz owned the pool in 1972.
In seven races, he would rule in 1972.
Six world records he would break, while seven golds back home he'd take.
And he made it look like a piece of cake in 1972.

Shun Fujimoto's rings routine in 1976
showed fortitude not often seen till 1976.
Competing with a broken knee, his dismount was sheer agony.
But he helped his team to victory in 1976.

Nadia scored a perfect ten in 1976.
It hadn't happened until then in 1976.
The scoreboard wasn't ready for displaying such a unique score.
But it had to do it six times more in 1976.

Carlton Lewis made his name in 1984
pursuing Jesse Owens' fame in 1984.
In four events, he took the gold and knocked the competition cold.
The best Olympic story told in 1984.

Some NBA stars would decide in 1992
to give their country back its pride in 1992.
And so the Dream Team took the court, and history would long report
on the greatest team to play the sport in 1992.

Athens, Munich, Montreal have each hosted the games.
Barcelona, L.A., Rome all too have lit the flame.
And each time, history was made with memories that will not fade.
So due attention should be paid to honoring the games.