Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Individual All Around: Full of Joy

In her post event interview Suni Lee (USA) was asked about her performance after winning the Bronze Medal.  She had some troubles in the early rotations, so her response was a lesson to us all.  "I was sure I had no chance for a medal, so I just went out and enjoyed myself."  It showed.  She has had many setbacks that I wrote about earlier, so I imagine that the possibility of not winning an individual medal was a big issue to her.  My hat is off to her to remain that cool, and to do it with that many cameras clicking and whirring away in the background.  Not to mention the TV cameras everywhere, the fans and celebrities filling the venue and all of us watching on various media outlets.  And all that, and she still came away with the Bronze.  Not too shabby.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Full of Joy PO24-51" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All Around: Redeemed!

It was such a moment of joy when Simone Biles (USA) finished her final routine in the team's final rotation on the Floor Exercise.  After hugging, high-fiving, and jumping in each other's arms, the team climbed up on the stage to chants of "USA! USA! USA!"  They unfolded the American flag and held it aloft prior to the classic pose for the cameras.  I caught this image as Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera looked up at the flag of the country they represent having just won the Gold Medal in the Team Finals.  The title refers back to their defining this year as their 'Redemption Tour.'  Clearly winning the team title by over five points counts as redemption, not that they needed it.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Redeemed! PO24-36" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All-Around: Angelic

I stand in awe of most Olympic athletes and most particularly gymnasts.  But Suni Lee's (USA) back story of a rare kidney disease just a year or so ago is amazing.  My wife suffers with PKD and has had a kidney transplant.  I know what kind of suffering it can bring!  She is doing well now, but nothing like being able to qualify for an Olympic team.  For Lee to be able to come back from that and be here in Paris is nothing short of amazing.  Then to nail her Uneven Bars routine so flawlessly, wow!  Just in case you weren't impressed enough, she had to step in and do the Floor Exercise tonight for a sick teammate.  After this routine, Team USA knew that they were almost guaranteed a gold medal in Paris.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Angelic PO24-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)