Olympics Again
It seems like I was just watching the Olympics a few months ago. That is what COVID did with changing the dates for the 2020 Summer Olympics to 2021.
Even though COVID isn’t the main story this Olympics, you can still see it’s ugly hand in the empty stands, the masks, and the stories of athletes who have trained most of their lives being denied the chance to compete for testing positive days before their event.
COVID seems to have tried to wreck the Olympics once again, but once again, the games continue.
And continue they do with their own scandals and conflicts.
You probably have heard about the report of the Russian teenage figure skating phenom who tested positive for an illegal substance in one of her drug tests in December. I played devil advocate with myself pointing blame or giving excuses, demanding punishment in one breath and leniency with the other.
No matter who’s fault this is, coaches, doctors, the athlete herself, this athlete now has a tarnished image. Could she skate as well if she didn’t have this drug in her system?
Could she? We may never know.
We watch the joyous moment that happens every 4 years while other athletes are not feeling the sense of unity as their country is on the verge of possible invasion.
It is saddening to see a Ukrainian athlete hold a sign begging for peace, not war, after he finished his skeleton event. Skeleton, which I consider one of the scariest event, an event that even caused death in the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. Yet, the athlete from Ukraine seemed more concerned with his fellow citizens than the dangerous track he just completed.
Maybe barreling down an icy track is child’s play compared to standing up against another country’s army?
Then there is the entire controversy of the games being held in China despite the human rights violations.
This Olympic is swirling is newsworthy stories that would cause anyone to lose hope in humanity.
But then there is the story of redemption when a 5 time Olympian finally wins a gold medal in their old age of mid 30s. Or the stories of second or third chances of making the podium. The sights of athletes waving a farewell as they head into retirement. Or the entrance of upcoming stars making their Olympic debuts.
There are many highs and lows during this Olympics, but just like in life, I prefer to look at the highs. To see the dream chasers chasing after the goals not to receive a medal, but to do their best and make their country proud.
Only 3 people will win a medal in each sport, and many great olympians will never wear that coveted metal, whether it be gold, silver or bronze, but that shouldn’t diminish their accomplishments.
A medal around a neck doesn’t always signify greatness.
Some of the greatest athletes will never come in first. But they will come in first in sportsmanship, comradery, attitude, ethics, friendship, and community.
What would you rather be known for?
15 minutes of athleticism or a lifetime of ______________.
I’ll let you fill in the blank. You have a lifetime to fulfill it.
Peace
