As the 2012 Olympic Games enter their second week in London, former physical education teacher and coach Martha Guinn of Marietta was watching a close volleyball match between the U.S. and Turkey.
The U.S. team was leading, but the score was just 20-19 at the time.
"I used to coach volleyball, so I really enjoy these games, but I'm afraid we're going to get beat," Guinn said.
Article Photos
America’s Gabby
Douglas soars to a gold medal last week at the London Olympics.
The Associated Press
A true sports fan, she's followed the London games from the beginning.
"The television coverage has been excellent," Guinn said. "I can switch between three channels to watch different games."
She enjoys all the sports, but noted volleyball, track and field, and gymnastics are probably her favorites.
"I really enjoyed the gymnastics team-they did very well this year, and Gabby Douglas just shined," Guinn said. Douglas has taken two Olympic gold medals this year.
But all of the athletes should be commended, Guinn said.
"They give up a lot and grow up on some vigorous training," she added. "It's hard work, and they should all be honored."
Former Marietta area resident Charlotte Jordan, now living in Florida, also likes the games.
"I just like to watch all the competition," she said. "Especially that little Gabby Douglas-'the flying squirrel'-on the gymnastics team. And I think all of the U.S. teams are doing good."
In Lowell Juanita Grosz has been following the swimmers.
"Missy Franklin did quite well, and Michael Phelps now has a total of 22 medals-18 gold," she said.
Grosz noted Phelps has to deal with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
"Someone with a handicap like that would require a good trainer, but he's done so well," she said. "I think it's terrific."
In addition to the swimming competition, Grosz said she's been following the U.S. beach volleyball teams.
"The team of two girls (Misty May and Kerri Walsh) are probably my favorites in volleyball," she said.
And like Guinn and Jordan, Grosz rooted for Douglas and the U.S. gymnastic team- "The Fierce Five."
"I'm just enjoying all of it," she said.
Lew Vaughn of Belpre was anxious to get back to the volleyball game Sunday afternoon.
"There's been great coverage this year," he said. "And I just like to watch it all."
Sunday's gold medal winners from Team USA included Sanya Richards-Ross in the women's 400 meter track and field event; and a gold medal each for Serena and Venus Williams in the tennis women's doubles.
A silver medal in gymnastics was won by McKayla Maroney.
Bronze medals were won by Justin Gatlin in the track and field mens 100 meter race and Dee Dee Trotter in the track and field womens 400 meter race; and a bronze medal each went to Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan in the tennis mixed doubles.
Guinn noted the Olympic games bring athletes from more than 200 nations together in peaceful competition.
"This is the one place in the world that everyone can come together-and they all show a lot of respect for one another," she said.
