The first Olympics I knew were the Games held in Los Angeles in 1932. We saw events at the Coliseum and things like the marathon on the streets in the city. What a lot of excitement in Los Angeles. Bill Henry had a large hand in planning the events. His daughter, Pat Henry, was a friend at Los Angeles High at the time. I was very impressed with the values upheld by the Olympic Spirit.
Every four years, we share in viewing the events on TV. What a thrill to have the Olympics return to Los Angeles in ’84. Through Patty Henry Yoemans I was appointed to the Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee. I attended meetings with Peter Ueberroth who organized the games with great success both financially and with everyone’s approval.
Now we view the events with the competitors representing the best in the world. Years of training show their bodies tuned to perfection. For me, the Olympics are still alive and well. I am still optimistic for the future. Our young people have their problems, many of which we have passed on to them. Many of the records will be broken but it is the striving for perfection that is the important thing.
Jane Hemenez