I've always enjoyed international competition. From as far back as I can remember I would always get fired up when the Olympics rolled around. Summer or winter - from Greco-Roman wrestling to the random "ski and shoot" freak show that is the biathlon - if the competitors are wearing their flag on their shirts, count me in.
This week, for the second time, I spent several days covering international bowling and I think I understand it better now than I did when I was a kid: international competition really is sports at its finest.
Walk through the concourse during one of these weeks and you'll hear all the different languages... Europeans alongside Asians and Africans - all of them smiling and chattering.
In a world of contract disputes, holdouts and lockouts it's rare to see people who are truly performing at the highest level for a greater cause. Egos are checked at the door. The years of hard work stand for something more than a paycheck or a trophy here... and perhaps best of all - the athletes are so happy to be there.
This week Brazil brought a woman who HAD to be pushing 60. El Salvador didn't even have enough players for the team competition. The Bahamas fielded a full squad, but out of 60 bowlers, 4 of theirs finished 57th, 58th, 59th and 60th.
You know why that's great? Because when those bowlers boarded a plane in Nassau they knew they had zero chance of coming home with a medal... and they didn't care. They were so happy to represent their country. So happy to rub elbows with the best of the best in the sport they love. And when the Bahamas DID put together a nice game or two, they were laughing the loudest, doing what seemed to be choreographed dances... it was the pure joy of sport. Good luck finding that in your hometown NBA arena.
The Venezuelan team had an elaborate set of cheers in Spanish for just about every scenario. I can still hear the mother of one of the Colombian girls yelling at the top of her lungs, "Colombia, alli! Colombia alli! Colombia alli alli alli!"
The athletes who actually won swelled with pride. A Canadian bowler cried when she learned that her trios group had won the gold medal. I could hear every word of "Oh Canada" as their entire contingent sang aloud. The American bowlers, so used to winning on the biggest stages, were clearly humbled and proud to hear their national anthem play.
Transcending borders. Above the commercial fray. Passion without taunting... free of hubris. That's the way sport is supposed to be. Hurry up, 2012. I need some opening ceremonies - stat!
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