I originally posted this article on my previous website at the time of the last Olympiad but had the good sense to save it before leaving that host.  Therefore, you will note that some of the content may be dated.  Nevertheless, this is about one of our grandsons who, with the avid support of his parents, remains a dedicated soccer aficionado and player. The included image now hangs on his bedroom wall.

Original blog post:

To say that our grandson loves soccer is a big understatement.  His school attire consists of indoor soccer shoes, high socks and shirts emblazoned with names like Neymar or Messi.  Unlike many youngsters his age, his X-box and iPad run soccer simulations rather than blasters.  He attends practices, camps, professional games and watches matches on TV.  At times, his leisure books are soccer equipment catalogues.  Don't get the wrong idea about him though; at age nine, his math homework has him working with Fibonacci numbers which he understands - better than I.

So, here in the Olympic season, I will use Sawyer's dedication to illustrate a point.  I captured several dozen images of him in a recent scrimmage game, and when I asked him to identify his favorite, he chose this one.  A great choice as you will see.

Here, as the goalie, he's moving to block a kick.  The ball is blurred and partially hidden from us, the viewers, but he has a laser focus on it as is evident in his expression.  His coaches, viewers on the sidelines, team mates and opponents were focused on him with anticipation.  Note number 21's anxious stance.  All of the accumulated data from coaching, practicing, conditioning, observing and love of the game were aligned on his synapses, and with it he reacted and moved with precision.  Did he block the kick?  I won't say.  This post is not about whether he blocked the kick; that's irrelevant. The post is about his total effort, the effort that the olympians and others make in their sacrifices to achieve.  What a great moment to watch!  It was his moment! The supreme moment of the athlete, no matter the age or the game!  It was fantastic!