if only i was russian

Today I wish I was a Russian.

I am a big sports fan.  Let me be more specific.  I am a big fan of professional sports played at the top of their skill in a global tournament.  Country vs. Country.  I love the excitement.  I love the drama.  I love the emotional back stories of struggle and triumph. I love the way politics can play out on the field (or course, or track, etc).  I love it all.  My favorites are of course The Olympics, The World Cup, and the Tour de France.

Today FIFA announced the countries who would be hosting the 2018, and 2022 World Cup.  The USA was putting in a big push for 2022, and my beloved Philadelphia was in the lead to host. 

Unfortunately for me, Qatar was picked to host 2022.  I read their pitch and it does look pretty amazing.  Plus- it will be very interesting to see the world cup hosted in the middle east for the first time EVER.

So, why do I want to be Russian?




Russia was picked to host the World Cup in 2018.  BUT...RUSSIA IS ALSO HOSTING the Winter Olympics in 2014. 

Olympics in 2014, and the World Cup in 2018!!  It's just not fair.

It is a life goal of mine to be present at a Summer Olympics, a Winter Olympics, a World Cup, and a Tour de France.  Not too much to ask for, right?  It would be PRETTY AWESOME if I could attend a World Cup, or Olympics hosted in a city I was living in at the time. 

I'm still holding out hope to somehow travel to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Until then.

I love you.

NOTE: Above Image an edited version of Illustration found here.