This is for the best.

carry-onbaggage:

“Dude, give me a hug!  That was ridiculous!”

Despite the outstanding gymnastics, Sam Mikulak was the best part of the men’s vaulting final. Watching Olympians get excited about other Olympians’ abilities, and seeing how joyful they are just to compete - with little concern over where they place, is what the Olympics is all about, for me. People like this, who are so unabashedly excited for others, do the most to represent the United States in the best possible way, especially at a time when this kind of behavior conflicts a little with the image our government’s actions can cultivate around the world. 

Watching people who are capable of doing amazing things display such genuine excitement is always the best part of the Olympics. Seeing people who are simply thrilled to be surrounded by others like them - the world’s most talented athletes - and who are so grateful for the opportunity to show off their talents while representing their country is, put simply, pretty cool.

Anyway, Sam Mikulak must have some sort of future as an Olympic commentator. That kind of positivity, his Southern California attitude, is surprisingly not annoying and really, really fun to watch. It’s so rare to see someone who is so genuinely gracious and enthusiastic like that. He’s tweeting the shit out of his Olympic experience, but all I see is the next Tim Daggett. 

I mean, also, he’s a babe.

So anyway, that’s all I’ll say about the men’s gymnastics this year.

Image via fuck-reezy-jeah

He’s been my favorite since qualifying, because of his sweet wide-eyed delight. And when he told the guy “Dude, give me a hug,” I melted. As did the guy (Sam got his hug). It was so genuine and adorable. I hope we’ll see him again sometime.