It’s almost time.

Olympic competition is about to start and I, surprisingly, will likely pay some attention to sports coverage, our sports reporters, photographers and editors here at the Lehigh Valley Press notwithstanding.

Not a rabid sports fan, I confess to sometimes losing focus when co-workers discuss major plays by star athletes aired on Monday Night Football (is that even a thing anymore?) or who was drafted by what team.

And let’s not talk about the intricacies of trades involving half a squad for a Keanu-Reeves-as-Neo-style player who may or may not hold the mojo to take a team to the championship game.

Don’t get me wrong. I like, or the past tense might be better here, liked to play sports.

In an interview for a story for The Press, Neil Moser, of the Upper Milford Historical Society, reminded me I played softball for the Upper Milford Youth Association.

I played sports in school, including basketball, field hockey and soccer, and my ever-patient older brother tried to teach me to skateboard — with little success.

As a young adult, I took the Air Products-sponsored cycling program at what was then the Lehigh County Velodrome in Trexlertown. I fell, naturally, and did not get to experience the thrill of racing under the lights; however, I did earn bragging rights, sort of, to say I cycled there.

Maybe it’s better to say I appreciate sports.

But there is something beyond sport, to me, about the Olympics.

Perhaps it’s the pageantry. The parade of athletes never fails to impress yours truly.

Perhaps it’s the variety of events. Gymnastics, cycling, diving and, when the Williams sisters play, doubles tennis are among my scheduled events for viewing on the roster of the summer games.

Perhaps it’s the tradition. Wrestler Rulon Gardner tearfully placing his shoes precisely poised on the mat to symbolize his retirement from his sport during the 2004 Olympic Games, per his sport’s tradition, remains an indelible image.

Perhaps it’s the spectacle. This year, for the first time, I actually watched the flame being lighted in Greece in an awe-inspiring ceremony, thanks to the algorithm powering YouTube. And, of course, the dazzle and sparkle of basketball’s “Dream Team” of the 1992 Summer Games is a touchstone of the late 20th century.

And perhaps, this year, it’s also the fashion.

The 2024 Olympic Games will come to the world from Paris this year. I know because I watched VogueWorld, a pageant of haute couture, entertainment and athletics, a few weeks ago. My high school French teacher, who immigrated from France, required her students to learn the words to “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem, and I am excited to hear it played, as commanded by Victor Lazlo in the classic movie “Casablanca.”

And, as a former field hockey goal keeper, I also am excited to cheer for Emmaus High School alum Meredith Sholder, a member of this year’s U.S. Olympic team.

Good luck and loud applause to all the athletes in their sports of choice.

April Peterson

editorial assistant

East Penn Press

Salisbury Press