I didn’t watch the Olympics correctly
As the 2021 Olympics wind down, I am just now realizing that I’ve been watching them the wrong way this entire time. I’m curious if I’m not the only one. Let me explain.
Photo by Alex Smith
Here’s how I’ve been watching:
It’s country versus country, us versus them.
We get to see where we rank compared to the rest of the world.
The goal: our country earns more medals and more golds than any other.
If my team isn’t in the race or competition or medal hunt, I don’t care about it or watch it.
But I’m realizing I’ve been missing the point. My approach is self-centered, shortsighted, and distant. It’s been about me, us, the USA. It’s been just about winning, being the best.
Here’s how I’m trying to see the Olympics now:
There are people competing, and they’re proud of where they come from.
The athletes are using their gifts and talents to compete.
Each person is willing to sacrifice their time, money, and effort to contribute to a competition between the world’s best.
Every athlete has been on a journey for years, aspiring to compete at this very moment.
Photo by Aditya Joshi
There are a number of inspiring examples I could point to - people with a story behind their journey to the Olympics. Here are just a few:
Allyson Felix: a USA runner with a desire to become a mother, nearly died while giving birth, fought a battle over maternity discrimination, and returned to her sport to win her 10th Olympic medal
Jordan Windle: a diver adopted from Cambodia, proudly competing for USA, still cherishing the people of Cambodia
Italy’s 4x100 sprint relay team: not expected to place in the 4x100, with a 73-year medal drought in this event, surprises everyone to win the gold medal
Simone Biles: recovering from abuse, fighting for justice, and carrying the highest of expectations on her shoulders, she courageously steps back from competition for mental health reasons
They’re people with stories, just like you and me.
Each athlete with his or her own journey, own challenges, own victories along the way. We too are on journeys in our lives. You have been given gifts and talents to use. God has set us up to compete and succeed at this moment.
It’s not about us succeeding at everyone else’s expense. It’s about us bringing our best. As a husband and a father, the best I can be. As a teacher, the best I can be. As an Elf, the best I can be. For you, as a parent, a neighbor, a leader, it’s about being the best you can be right where you’re at.
God has set us up to compete and succeed at this moment.
As the 2021 Olympics wind down, I can watch any race now and genuinely smile for the winners. I can feel for those who don’t fully realize their dream, no matter where they’re from. They’re people with stories, just like you and me.
They trained and prepared. They gave it their best. But their race is over, and now it’s our turn.
How about you? Did you watch the Olympics? Who’s story grabbed your attention? In what area of life are you going to step up to be your best? Comment below.
