Miracle on My Shirt
Members of the 1980 U.S. hockey team stunned the world—and possibly themselves—when they beat the seemingly invincible Soviets in the Olympic games at Lake Placid. Sports Illustrated wrote about the Miracle on Ice: “It might just be the most indelible moment in all of U.S. sports history. One that sent an entire nation into a frenzy.” If you want a piece (albeit a very expensive piece) of this history, consider the $749.95 “authentic style” 1980 USA Olympics hockey shirt signed by most of the members of the team.
Blinded by the Light of My Vest
I was in Atlanta for a portion of the 1996 Olympics, and while I (thankfully) missed the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, I didn’t miss conversations with people who had purchased portions of the track that Michael Johnson tread in his gold shoes, or Olympics stadium chairs people bought for their homes. But I think those mementos are not as practical as this orange accessory. Put on your sunglasses and get ready for Halloween. Is there a better costume than the iridescent orange “Olympic Stadium” usher vest with black trim and drawstrings? I don’t think so. For only $20, you can offer friends a slice of authority and humor.
Try These Tighties
Tired of your man hiding his hunky figure underneath a baggy swimsuit? This Olympics season you can buy him a Speedo Team USA brief for $38.20—a lot of bang for your buck when you consider the high-tech materials it’s made from. I’m not sure what “Antron Nylon” and “Xtralife Lycra” are, but they sound strong, suave, and speedy.
Tonya Harding … Enough Said
If you’re anything like me, you secretly enjoy the Olympics’ seediest moments more than the pure, tear-jerking feats of strength and endurance. So imagine my delight when I found this 16x20 autographed Tonya Harding figure skating photograph for sale. (To jog your memory, Tonya Harding allegedly conspired to attack her competitor in the 1994 Olympics, Nancy Kerrigan. She received three years of probation, 500 hours of community service and a $160,000 fine.) Now I’m going to look for some Zola Budd memorabilia to bring back memories of her girl fight with Mary Decker Slaney.
Next Stop: Vancouver
If you want to get ahead of the games, look toward Vancouver in 2010. The Quatchi, one of the carefully selected mascots for the winter games, is a “young sasquatch who comes from the mysterious forests of Canada. Quatchi is shy, but loves to explore new places and meet new friends.” You can purchase a Quatchi mouse pad for a mere $16 and bring him home with you. Just remember that his favorite color is “chill blue,” and he loves to try foods of all kinds.
Beyond these online treasures, I’m sure that the choicest Olympics souvenirs are ones that you can buy from illegal street vendors during the games. Here’s a challenge to the lucky souls who are going to Beijing on 08.08.08—take pictures and share them.
