Olympians have been appreciating the simple things at Thanksgiving
Time away from friends and family is par for the course for elite athletes so we look at those who have been able to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, and those who were away from home but had much to be thankful for nevertheless.
"I'm so thankful not to be going to the gym today," smiles Kelly Cheng, one half of the beach volleyball world champions who spoke to US TV at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday (23 November).
Sara Hughes, her partner on the sand, smiles before expressing what she's most grateful for: "Family and food. I'm here with my sister so I'm grateful to be here with her."
Coming from elite athletes, this is not a flippant comment.
Travelling the world competing in their sport, missing out on family events, early-to-bed to recover from training, all are part and parcel of an elite athlete's life, so any time spent with loved ones is particularly precious.
Alongside the volleyball duo being interviewed at the parade, para high jump world champion, Ezra Frech, chips in. "I'm still going to the gym later though."
The trio exchange understanding smiles.
Thankful for Olympic qualification for Paris 2024
If you have to be away from family, far from home, on Thanksgiving, one way to make that day sweeter is to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games.
That's exactly what Team USA's goalball and wheelchair rugby squads achieved at the Parapan American Games taking place in Santiago, Chile over the holiday.
"Wow, what a way to spend Thanksgiving!" posted Calahan Young, captain of the men's goalball team. "I am so proud to be a part of Team USA, specifically the USA men’s goalball team. Today (11/23), we qualified for the 2024 Paris Paralympics!"
And it could get even better.
While most people are recovering from the festivities, the goalball side "are in a position to conclude (the championships) with a bang".
"Tomorrow (Friday 24 November), we will compete for the gold medal against Brazil," said Young. "I am thrilled to have another opportunity to secure victory for our region and to experience the playing of our national anthem."
Newly-wedded bliss for Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
Newly married Simone Biles had quite the Thanksgiving herself, watching her American football-playing husband Jonathan Owens score a first-ever career touchdown in a win for his side, Green Bay Packers over Detroit Lions (29-22).
"LFG HUSBAND," 'screamed' the four-time Olympic champion, in all caps for added emphasis plus four love heart emojis as her emotions bubbled over. "I'm so proud of you. MY HEART", said Biles who lives and trains in Houston, Texas while her husband is 2,000km away plying his trade in Wisconsin. Being together on Thanksgiving the biggest win.
Meanwhile, Biles' teammate on the USA Olympic silver-medal winning team from Tokyo 2020, Jordan Chiles, went all in, joining a float in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Family Chiles also enjoyed the three-time world medallist's experience too, from the comfort of the sofa.
"Watch the parade to see cuzzo. So awesome to see you in the parade!!!"
Grateful for a sporting life
Competing in the same sport facilitates loved ones being able to spend time together at Thanksgiving, such as husband and wife fencing couple, Lee Kiefer, the women's individual foil Olympic champion, and Gerek Meinhardt, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist in the men's discipline.
The busy pair are also both studying to become doctors but have put their studies on hold while they focus on the Paris 2024 Games. A day to reflect has them "thankful for the help and support of our family and friends".
Freestyle BMX Olympics silver medallist, Hannah Roberts, is grateful for what her sport has given her.
"I'm thankful for the life that I live, it's a pretty amazing one," said Roberts, name-checking her main support network of parents and girlfriend.
A pause though, before she remembers the other members in her troop for whom to give thanks.
"My freaking dogs. Like they're pretty dope."
Kite athlete, Daniela Moroz, whose discipline is new to the Olympic Games come Paris, is of the same mind. "I'm really thankful for doing something I love and to have that be my career," said the six-time world champion.
"And now that I get to go to the Olympics for it, it's even better, so I'm super thankful to be able to do that."
