The summer Olympics has just begun in Rio de Janeiro. If you are like many, watching Olympic athletes go for gold is an inspiration. Not everyone can go to the summer Olympic games, and given the conditions in Rio, maybe you don’t want to, but you can still experience some Olympic gold here in the states. Need some ideas, we’ve got a little Olympic inspiration for you.

Celebrate the Summer Olympic Games without going to Rio

Participate in an Olympic Sport

So maybe you won’t be playing for Olympic gold, you can still have fun beating your personal best in the 100 m freestyle, or maybe try something new like track cycling or white water kayaking. Pick your favorite Olympic sport and find a place near you to play or take lessons. Once you’ve reached your goal, reward yourself with a vacation to your favorite Olympic city to compete.

Visit an Olympic City in the United States

The United States has hosted the Olympic games eight times. The Summer Olympic Games  were last hosted in Atlanta in 1996. Previously they were in Los Angeles in 1984 and 1932, and St. Louis in 1904. The Winter Olympic Games were hosted in Salt Lake City in 2002, Lake Placid, NY in 1980 and 1932 and Squaw Valley, CA in 1960.

I don’t know about the other cities, but in Atlanta, my hometown, you can still see the Olympic cauldron, and visit Centennial Olympic Park, the gathering spot for the 1996 Games.

Put on Your Own Games

Did you know the trampoline is an Olympic sport? Yup. And golf is back for the first time since the early 1900’s. Olympic events come and go, so why not put together your own schedule of games. Use Traveling Mom’s Free In posts to find free things to do in your area for ideas and to keep costs down.

Watch an Olympic Sport Live

What’s more fun than watching the Olympics on TV? Watching them in person.

What’s the next best thing to watching the Olympics in person? Watching an Olympic sport up close.

Chances are your favorite Olympic sport has local competitions. Try the Universities near you too. Colleges have offer lots of different athletic pursuits and the competition at that level should be pretty decent.