Shawn Johnson: Gymnast

Johnson on the Reigns!

Shawn Johnson was a top gymnast in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  She received one gold medal and three silver medals.  The video above shows Johnson performing last year in 2011.  The commentators in the video remark that Johnson made comments saying she was not ready to perform again.  Her coach Liang Chow told her that she had to get out and perform again.  Johnson's blog, which is the link from the title, expresses that she has grown and matured since her last appearance in the Olympics in 2008.  Johnson believes she has realized how to balance working hard with some rest.  Johnson now collaborates with her coach on her routines and vigorous work schedule.  She hopes to appear in competition in late March again in hopes to make it to the 2012 London Olympics. 

I admire Johnson and her attitude of knowing the difference between work and play.  I am a female athlete as well and seeing her determination is a great role model to any young girl.  I never truly followed gymnastics, but I give so much credit to all gymnasts for the hard work and dedication that goes into the performance.  I hope to see Shawn Johnson regain her momentum from 2008 even after having a torn ACL.  In my eyes, Johnson has the strength and will power to accomplish her dreams again of making it to the Olympics.

Mariano Rivera

Rivera ahead!

Mariano Rivera is one of the greatest relief pitchers the New York Yankees have had in a long time.  Rivera is turning 42 this year and started his spring training early this year.  Rivera thinks its all about knowing your own body and what you are capable of doing.  He threw 22 pitches for his first day back.  Rivera will hopefully provide the Yankees with another awesome season!

Rivera was not one of my favorite players of the Yankees, but seeing his skill and what he can do made me change my mind.  I now see Rivera as a hard worker.  He is motivated and seems to love being a Yankee!  I hope to see him do really well this season!

Braun Wins

Ryan Braun Wins!

Braun is the first Major League Baseball player to have any game suspension revoked for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.  The commissioner's office and the Anti-Doping Agency are not happy about the decision, but Braun could not be happier.  The court ruled the day before spring training that he was not guilty, which allowed him to go and not serve a fifty game suspension.  Braun will continue to make over $145.5 million over the course of a decade.  Braun is happy that he will be able to restore his "good" name and reputation.

I see Braun and any professional or amateur athlete who has used performance-enhancing drugs as a liar and cheater.  I am not happy to see the loose decision by the court.  I know I had no partaking in the decision, but if any athlete is tested positive, then multiple tests should be done.  Also, there should be some type of suspension, even if it just ten games.  Hopefully, it would be enough of a threat to a professional athlete who should love his or her sport and not want to miss one day.  Should the court have let Braun go so easily?

Football and TV

TV from your comfortable...stadium seat?

Technology seems to be advancing not only in our day to day work lives and personal lives, but sports as well.  What happened to the old fashioned "father-son day" or "father-daughter day" or where time was meant to be spent with just other people?  Now something has gotten in the way of old fashioned times.  Technology.

The New Meadowlands Stadium, now the MetLife Stadium, is home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants.  This new, fully updated, technical stadium is now one of the most advanced NFL stadia in the league.  With 2,200 new televisions around the stadium and the chance to download free applications for the iPhone, no one will ever have to leave their seat again.  There will also be five hundred cell phone towers to prevent as much interference as possible.  Free applications will be given when a person uploads videos or exclusive content about the games.  Even if a person does leave his seat, the game will never be too far to watch.  Not one minute will be missed with the new advancements in this stadium. 

The advancements of this new culturally technological society will be a great advancement in society.  With someone (like myself) looking to enter the sport industry, this technological advance can be seen in a positive or negative light.  My hope is that with all the new technologies, sport will never lost its sense of nationalism and pride.  My dream is that  almost every person will fall in love with what sports have to offer, a sense of love for the game and a love for bonding with friends and family over sports.

Although technology may be at an increasing rate of advancements, I hope sports do not become virtual.  America's past time are sports and are a great bonding tool for any group of people, no matter the sport.

P. Manning

Peyton Manning

Although a huge Tom Brady fan, Peyton Manning has proved himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  He is a four time MVP winner in the National Football League.  Unfortunate events have occurred now that Manning has had his fourth procedure on his neck.  Whether to keep Manning around or not is the issue.  Arguments of Jim Irsay have come up where some say that Manning has the choice to speak up about his contract, but the fact of the matter is that Manning does not have to say anything.  By March 8, a decision has to be made whether or not Irsay will pay the $28 million bonus to Manning.  Irsay is allowing Manning to finish out his career with the Indianapolis Colts if he chooses to. 

I am not afraid to admit that I jumped on the bandwagon years ago when the Patriots won the Superbowl when I was about thirteen years old.  From that point on, I realized what an impact sports have on my life.  My father is an Indianapolis Colts fan and I have learned from him over the years.  One thing I will distinctly remember is my father discussing with me something he saw on television.  It was how talented Peyton Manning is as a quarterback.  He is allowed to call the final decisions and will change plays if he feels that it is the better option.  I belive Manning does have the right to finish out his career with the Colts, that is if that is what he wants to do.

Career Interest

Career Interest

My career interest area is in that of Sport Communication and Sport Marketing.  Entering either of these fields in professional sports would be a huge accomplishment and goal of mine.  I hope to make it in either of these career areas shortly after I graduate.  My ultimate goal would be to work in Pittsburgh or Boston.  Although, I would not be too picky if I got any other great opportunity!