The Olympics

In a time when we're constantly bombarded with negative input involving current events, politics, scandals, hardships, and conflict, it's a welcome change of pace to see the nations of the world coming together for a ceremony based on sportsmanship, civility, and healthy competition. Although I haven't always been on top of the specific events and players that take part in the Olympics, I've always loved the concept in and of itself. The idea of so many countries putting aside their differences for a bit, to take part in the games really warms my heart. Even if you aren't big on sports, you really have to admire the spectacle of it all. Seeing all of these young athletes from all over the world, having trained endlessly for god knows how long, putting everything on the line to represent not only themselves, but their entire country is really something to see. The strength, skill, and raw talent that is demanded by many of the events is truly mind boggling. These young athletes, many of whom have been groomed their whole lives for the games, are absolutely amazing to watch as they execute their performances in the various games. The pressure they have to be feeling must be overwhelming but I feel that the pressure is a big motivator for them. It puts the fire in their hearts and drives them to do the very best that they can. Although it's amazing to see Olympians succeed, it's equally as heartbreaking to see them falter. We all know the feeling of seeing someone misstep and blow their big moment. It starts with our hearts dropping into our stomachs and leaves us feeling deeply crestfallen for the athlete that missed their big chance. However, that's just a part of the games; not everyone can win. I remember growing up, I played a fair amount of soccer, and two feelings I specifically remember from those days were the thrill of making a goal, and the disappointment of either missing or being scored on. I imagine what the Olympic athletes are feeling are those emotions multiplied by a million. Unfortunately, politics sneak their way into the games from time to time. Although this is unfortunate, I understand that it isn't possible to keep the games completely free from controversy. No matter how badly most of us want to get along, there are some current events that just can't help but sneak their way into the games. Despite this, I think the sense of sportsmanship, the better angels of our nature, win out more often than not when it comes to the sake of the games. The Olympic games really are a powerful thing. It's as if the entire world puts itself on pause and, during that pause, we are reminded that athletics are a universal language. During that pause we are reminded that although we are animals by nature, we are both capable of, and inclined to civility for the sake of the sense of sportsmanship that we all share. For Christ sake, North and South Korea marched under a unified flag for the open ceremony of these winter Olympics. I can't think of anything else that would ever bring those two nations together. Overall, I think that's why the Olympic games are so important. They bring us all together. Even though things will go right back to normal as soon as the closing ceremony finishes, I think it really needs to be appreciated that we can in fact get along for the sake of the games even if it's just for a little bit. It strengthens my faith in humanity and keeps my hopes up for the future.