After an extra year of anticipation, all eyes are now on Tokyo as the Summer Olympics kick off! You can bet your kids are going to want to get in on all the action too… especially when they learn that 60 athletes competing from their hometown, with three members going for gold from the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA!
How can you not get excited and follow our local stars — Michael Andrew (Swimming), Amy Dixon (Paratriathlon) and Bryce Wettstein (Skateboarding) — and of course our kids want to learn from the YMCA of San Diego County.
Starting off in the world of swimming, twenty-two year old Michael Andrew decided to pursue a career as a professional swimmer while signing his first sponsorship at the age of 14. His dad coached him and pushed him all the way to making the Olympic team using the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA for his usual training spot. He qualified to be on the USA team after breaking the American Record in both the prelims and semi-finals of the men’s 100 breaststroke. He’s a definite favorite and one we’re excited to watch in Tokyo!
In it’s inaugural year, seventeen-year-old Bryce Wettstein from San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas will be representing Team USA in Skateboarding. This high school student’s love for skating developed at age 5 at the YMCA Encinitas. She has been on Team USA from 2019-2021 and will compete in Park at Tokyo. Her dream was to compete in the Olympics and now she gets to check that off her list.
Also from Encinitas, paratriathlon Amy Dixon graduated from Brookfield High school and the University of Connecticut. At the age of 22, Dixon began to lose her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease and currently has 98 percent vision loss, but she doesn’t let that take away her love for swimming. While growing up, she was a regular at the YMCA in Encinitas training and working hard. In 2017, she became the first blind female athlete to compete in an XTERRA race and has been awarded recognition for being someone who wants to improve the lives of those with visual impairments all over the world like herself. We can’t wait to see how she does in Japan!
The YMCA of San Diego County provides champions and families, from kids to adults, the opportunity to participate in sports and programs that keep them happy, healthy and having fun all year-long. Check out their offerings at: https://www.ymcasd.org/
LOOK LIKE A CHAMPION AS YOU CHEER ON TEAM USA
After waiting an extra year to cheer on our favorite Olympians, everyone is ready to go for the gold. Opening Ceremonies are here with all the competition to follow. We know you’ll be cheering for local favorites and getting decked out from head to toe, so Family Entourage shares some fun ways for your family to get in the Olympic Spirit!
Since spectators won’t be allowed to travel to Japan, all eyes will be watching Team USA online or through their television as they take on the world. Whether it’s swimming, gymnastics, track or skateboarding making its debut, sport your red, white and blue for the Americans.
In support of the Tokyo Games, Macy’s has launched an Olympic store that will run until August 8th to help your family with patriotic gear and accessories.
We love the Olympic collection from Polo Ralph Lauren at Macys. From Team USA Mesh Pullovers to ECOFAST Pure Team USA Jersey T-Shirts, Team USA Stretch Mesh Polo Shirt, to Team USA Twill Ball Caps and all the other patriotic selections, you are sure to find a favorite.
Plus what’s so cool is that royalties from the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection sales go to the United States Olympic Committee. Unlike most Olympic and Paralympic Teams, American athletes are not supported by federal funding and our heroes have triumphantly made it through the last year with resilience, a dream, and help from all of us.
From emulating looks, like the outfits worn during the opening ceremonies to just sporting red, white and blue like the perfect puma patriotic sneakers to jean twirl jumpers and athletic champion gear we found everything we needed at Macy’s!
Don’t worry if you have to work through the Olympic Games, you can still showcase your love for Team USA… with your socks! We love socks by Stance for their creativity and comfort. They have turned socks into one of the world’s most exciting accessories so of course they want to help you rock your red, white and blue. They have fun flag socks, stars and stripes, americana and more.
Plus from Captain America and Marvel favorites to Star Wars and sports teams, you can honor our Olympic heroes while wearing your favorite heroes — and many come in our country’s color schemes. With no spectators, we know we’ll be watching from our couch and now our entire family can be cozy in our colorful socks to cheer on the athletes. Another fun aspect, family matching!
Whether you’re decked out head-to-toe, or just “toe” — you can’t go wrong making a statement with Stance on your feet.
