London 2012 XXX Olympic Games
The Olympics – a test of courage, stamina, determination, strength, skill, speed and endurance.
It’s the pinnacle of sporting achievement. It’s finding your gift and using it to the maximum of your potential. Milking every last ounce, stretching yourself beyond what you first thought possible.
It’s the glory of gold, yet also the achievement of participating. It’s overcoming obstacles, challenges, trials.
It’s opportunity, it’s expectancy, it’s the best of the world performing at their best for a few brief weeks … in some cases just seconds. Where a millimeter, a microsecond can make all the difference.
The Spirit of the Games
It’s putting your heart and soul on the line in front of millions of supporters and combatants.
It’s standing for what you believe … it’s pride. Pride in your performance, for your team, your country and for the tradition that is the Olympics.
It’s about the fastest, the highest, the longest, the strongest, the closest.
It’s about records; your personal best, an Olympic record, maybe even the world record.
The Olympic games is about competition; it’s not just the winners but for all who compete.
There is No Overnight Success
Every single athlete that dons the colors of their country shares one thing in common – they have all endured endless hours of training, of setbacks, facing fears, challenges, they have stared down the face of insurmountable odds.
They all shared a dream that one day they would make it .
But ALL on the journey at some point questioned whether it was worth the sacrifice, worth the dedication, worth the suffering, the knock backs, the rejection, the early mornings, the late nights – yet each participant in the Olympic games has earned the right to be called an Olympian.
The Moment of Truth
Imagine stepping out to the stadium, lining up at the blocks, the countless hours, the pain, the preparation … all suddenly on the line.
There’s only one winner, one gold medal – some are knocked out as early as the first heat … but they did it. They dared to dream, they worked at it, fought for it and they achieved it.
They, all of them, stand amongst the elite, they stand as an Olympian.
I love the Olympics–especially the Summer Olympics with the equestrian events! And I love the fact that these individuals have dared to dream and have persevered until they attained their dream, but I feel what is really important is what follows next. What is there “beyond the gold?” Do these Olympians use their gifts to give something back to society or do they use the benefits that accrue from their awards only to further their own personal agendas? Love your blog and I’ll be back!
I too love the Olympics – to achieve such feats. The thought of beyond gold or beyond participation is a good one.
I love to hear the personal stories on the Olympians; to hear about their struggles in getting to the Olympics. They show so much determination to be able to reach the goal of becoming an Olympian. I wish each of them luck and give them much respect.
Hi Karen, thanks for popping by an Aussie blog
Great to see someone pop in from Indianapolis. Very much looking forward to the Olympics too … awesome seeing such amazing determination and sharing their experiences as they achieve their dream.
I guess this simply means that it’s not always about being the first but being the best you that can be. I never miss the olympics. At least I get a feel of what’s happening, thanks to technology. A really deep post.
Hey Lanre, thanks for The virtual visit
True that with technology we are immersed closer to the action.
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