Following Team USA's thrilling victory over Spain to capture the gold medal, special FanHouse correspondent Chris Bosh sent us this e-mail from Beijing. Enjoy. And congrats, Chris.It's finally over! And we did IT! Man! I've been dreaming about this since I first saw The Dream Team earn their medals back in 1992. I was only 8 years old, but I thought it was so cool and I wanted to be just like them. I always watched the Olympics as a little kid and it amazes me that I'm at this point where I am now.
This has been the biggest accomplishment of my career so far. It's such a great feeling because we worked so hard for all of these years and it's paid off for us. We started this thing in 2006 with dreams of a Gold Medal in Beijing and now we're to that point. Time flies so fast and I'm definitely going to take in this moment. It seems like it was yesterday when we were at the World Championships getting a Bronze medal. Now we have something better and we can put that behind us.
I have to give Spain all of my respect because they played an amazing game. They shot the ball extremely well and played some great defense. They were just plain hard to stop to be honest with you. They moved the ball well and they were very aggressive on both ends of the court. This was not the same team that we played in pool play.
It was funny because before the game, a lot of media kept asking if we thought it was going to be an easy game against them. That tripped me out because we knew it wasn't just going to be an easy game. If you beat a team once, they'll have motivation to play you even harder the second time around. Not to mention this game was for the GOLD MEDAL! All in all, they played well and I think that was one of the greatest International games in history.
Right after the game ended we went back to the locker room and changed into our outfits for the medal ceremony. We went up, got our medals, listened to the Star Spangled Banner while the raised the American flag to the ceiling (which was incredible) and then we had to go through media. All of that plus celebrating takes up a lot of energy, but it felt good though.
I'm living my dream and I'm very thankful to the man upstairs for this one. I'm about to go home and take some time off before I start back training for the season.
-Chris
Latest Chris Bosh Photos
Argentina's Luis Alberto Scola (C) vies with USA's LeBron James (L) and USA's Chris Bosh (R) during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The US won 101-81. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
USA's Chris Bosh goes for a dunk during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The US won 101-81. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
USA's Chris Bosh jumps during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The US won 101-81. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
USA's Chris Bosh (L) and USA's Michael Redd celebrate at the end of the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The US won 101-81. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Carlos Delfino (C) vies with USA's Deron Williams (L) and USA's Chris Bosh (R) during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The US won 101-81. AFP PHOTO / ANTONIO SCORZA (Photo credit should read ANTONIO SCORZA/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
(L to R) USA's Dwyane Wade, USA's Chris Bosh and USA's Carmelo Anthony are pictured during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Luis Alberto Scola (L) vies with USA's Chris Bosh during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Fabricio Oberto (L) vies with USA's Chris Bosh during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Carlos Delfino (L) tries to block USA's Chris Bosh during the men's semi-final basketball match Argentina against The US of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. AFP PHOTO / ANTONIO SCORZA (Photo credit should read ANTONIO SCORZA/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
BEIJING - AUGUST 22: Luis Scola #4 of Argentina attempts a shot against Chris Bosh #12 of the United States during a men's semifinal baketball game at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Day 14 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Luis Scola;Chris Bosh
Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
8-24-2008 @ 4:00PM
Dirk de Young said...
Dear Chris, watched the game from another city in China, very happy to watch it in real time. Very obvious the Spanish figured the only way to have a chance was to be very "physical" and try to get you guys out of your game. It didn't work!!! You stayed cool and always kept the game out of reach. We love you guys and all America and all Basketball Fans worldwide are proud of you.
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8-24-2008 @ 6:39PM
Alisha said...
First of all, I want 2 say CONGRADULATIONS! to all of you, all u guys deserved it..fa realz..well Chris, u did it!, it's over!..u played da game..I mean u played da game...Spain...was up there wit ya'll though...but they ain't had NOTHIN on none of yall..NOTHIN!..they should've already known...who was takin tha GOLD....once AGAIN..ya'll did it to tha fullest!!!...and jus remember, there's more to come...keep givin it ur all...u got this!,...well CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN...and keep handlin' ya biz...! fa sho!
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8-24-2008 @ 7:03PM
Rickey Williams said...
Congratulations to you and the entire team, good to see a fellow Dallas Texan doing great things. It's great to see you being a good role model for young people, keep up the good work.
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8-24-2008 @ 7:04PM
bones said...
I just want to congradulate you all on playing great thru out , from the first jump ball you all stepped on the gas and did'nt look back. america is proud of you all so rest up and get ready for the nba season because the celtics are going to bring itt !!! again congrats man.
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8-24-2008 @ 7:08PM
Carlos Hughes said...
Hey Chris, your awesome! U did some awesome dunks during the olympics and during the nba season. I hope in the next olympics USA does as good as they did this year. I hope the Toronto raptors win it all next year! Keep doing what your doing in basketball and in life. Especially Basketball!
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8-24-2008 @ 7:10PM
jeff said...
Give the guys credit they OUT their personal business aside for a month and won as a team it was good to see maybe some of it will rub off o the Knicks
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8-24-2008 @ 7:59PM
BERTA said...
MUCH CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU CHRIS AND THE REST OF THE TEAM AND COACHING STAFF. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS FOR HOLDING IT TOGETHER YOU GUYS DID US AMERICANS PROUD THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
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8-25-2008 @ 4:11PM
Jean said...
I am soooo disappointed. I knew the game was playing at 2 a.m. in Los Angeles. But I do not have tivo and I thought surely NBC would show it again....or at least parts. But, no, they showed the stupid girls with ribbons. NBC has had lousy coverage of this Olympics: poor camera angles, poor comments and interviews.
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8-25-2008 @ 7:37PM
Joe Varga said...
Chris, a great job -both you and your team mates. We know you are a hell of a basketball player but it seems to me you are one fine human. That is the important part. Pro sports does not have a great name for being a "good human" but I do believe you are one of the "good guys." I love people like you- great at your job and a GREAT human.Fantastic.
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8-24-2008 @ 8:37PM
BESSIE said...
I LIKE TO THINK THE U.S.A TO BRING HOME THE GOLD THAT THE DREAM TEAM I NO FROM THE 90.
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8-25-2008 @ 5:38PM
Kathy said...
I am also very proud of the USA basketball team. Not only the excellent play but the genuine showing of patriotism shown after winning there final game with Spain.
Unfortunately, the men & women's 4 x 400 relay when the playing of the Star Spangle Banner just stood there smiling. Don't they know when our anthem is played, you are suppose to put your hand over your heart (like all the other American teams I saw), or are they don't proud of their country!
8-25-2008 @ 4:09AM
Dean said...
USA. baskerball....A 1st class representation for our country. Thank you!
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8-24-2008 @ 9:24PM
CY said...
I was watching the Game in China through CCTV. The Chinese media commented the game is the highest level of basketball game. For sure, the final match was the best basketball game I ever watched. Both team tried very hard. U.S. deserved the Gold, no doubt.
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8-24-2008 @ 9:30PM
email4kh said...
The mayor of London goes through the closing ceremony in front of a billion people with his freakin coat unbuttoned. I'm surprised he wasn't swilling a beer and smoking a cigarette. What a pig.
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8-25-2008 @ 11:48AM
steve cates said...
He did look VERY untidy. I was embarrassed for the UK.
8-25-2008 @ 9:22AM
Linda said...
you go chris with your bad self and your bad team mates. I am so proud of our team. Yes you did do it. And america is very proud, You guy played like there was no tomorrow. Kiocking ass was yoyr game. Go fellows.
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8-24-2008 @ 9:56PM
bob said...
kinda looks like the crypt keeper
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8-24-2008 @ 10:18PM
DKraft said...
Up until 08 Beijing, I didn't really know the name Chris Bosh.
Now I do.
You were AWESOME during the games.
You looked proud to be an American.
And you made us proud.
Thank You for bring the GOLD Back home.
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8-24-2008 @ 10:15PM
Carol said...
I am a grandmother of 10, several of which are very good basketball players, so I have become a rabid fan of the game..I watched every game you all played with alot of pride..I was in a hotel in San Antonio when you played the Gold Metal Game..I woke in the middle of the night to watch it and I was cheering out loud for you...I stood up with pride and tears in my eyes when you received your Gold Metals....I have such respect for the whole team and the coaches..What a class act..I hope you all have a wonderful season on your respective teams...Of course being from Dallas, I will still cheer for the MAVS, but will have a little wink for you!
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8-24-2008 @ 10:32PM
Celogen said...
I too must admit that I never heard of Chris Bosh before the Games. But, I now know the name and something of the man and will never forget it. You and the rest of the team made me even more proud to be an American. All of you carried yourselves wonderfully on and off the court. You have restored dignity and professionalism to Team USA Basketball and I offer a most sincere thank you!
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