I can’t lie; I love it when the Olympics roll around every two years. It’s a wonderful time when everyone becomes a fan of sports they previously knew nothing about, competition trumps conflict and every child dreams of being on the top of a podium in front of a cheering crowd.

To get excited for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, check out some trivia:

• The Olympic Motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
• Of the 530 people on the American team, the youngest competing this year is 15-year-old Katie Ledecky, and she’s a freestyle swimmer.
• Hiroshi Hoketsu from Japan will be competing in dressage, or horse ballet, and has the honor of being this year’s oldest competing Olympian at the age of 71.
• American swimmer Michael Phelps is only three medals away from becoming the most decorated Olympian in history.
• Oscar Pistorius will be the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics when he runs in the 4X400 meter relay and the 400 meter dash for his South African team.
• The Summer Games of the 30th Olympiad begin July 27 and conclude on August 12.

Want to read up on some more Olympic trivia? Check out some of these kids’ books at your local library! Continue reading →