Michelle Obama with members of Team USA
Jeff Moore/Splash News Online
“Beyond proud” is how Michelle Obama told U.S. Olympians she felt while meeting with them on Friday morning, as the world awaits the evening’s opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Over breakfast at an east London sports center with some of Team USA – including women’s basketball players, fencing competitors and members of the track and field squad – the First Lady praised the inspiration they provide to those watching back home.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up and as an adult involve watching the Olympics on TV,” Mrs. Obama told them. “My family would sit together for hours watching these men and women perform feats of endurance speed that would have us cheering at the top of our lungs.”
She added, “My brother and I would dream about how maybe one day we might be able to achieve something just as great for ourselves.”
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Michelle Obama
Jeff Moore Splash News Online
Mrs. Obama also told those gathered how her father, an athlete himself, battled MS, which over seven years changed him from “a thriving competitor” (as a boxer and swimmer) to someone on crutches.
“The Olympics for him was a special time for him to watch amazing athletes perform on the world stage,” said the First Lady. “You never know who are inspiring: from a family on the South Side of Chicago to a young athlete going to pick up a soccer ball or start running after watching something you all do.”
Noting that “we are all proud of you all,” Mrs. Obama also had some advice. “Try to have some fun. Try to breathe and take it in. But also win!”
Discus thrower Aretha Thurmand appreciated the sentiment. She told PEOPLE, “We do sometimes need to take a moment to breathe. Soak it in, take the stress level down a little bit. Everybody puts the weight of the world on their shoulders at an event like this. Sometimes you forget to breathe.”
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