Photo by: Contribution
Bonnie Jean Feldkamp
I don’t have a favorite sport at the Olympics. I’m not an athlete. Marching band in high school was my team sport. But I love the Olympics, and to me it’s about the stories – stories of perseverance, camaraderie and sportsmanship. I love watching athletes show us what they’re made of and who they really are by rising to the challenge and supporting each other.
Stories of competitors like Stephen Nedoroscik, the “nerdy” mechanical engineer who focused on his strengths to succeed against all odds. He dominated the pommel horse despite a rare eye disease that would render most people unable to compete in athletic competitions, let alone win an Olympic medal. He was dubbed a “unicorn” by doctors, but thanks to his perseverance, he was able to achieve his dream and land on the winner’s podium with a bronze medal. Let him be an example for every child who is told they can’t do something. The whole world will tell you “no.” Don’t follow their example by never trying.
It’s athletes like Simone Biles who came back after withdrawing from several Olympic events in Tokyo 2020. She showed us all that it’s OK to listen to your body and recognize when to take a step back. The lesson her story teaches is not to let others tell you to keep going when you know you need a break. Taking a break is not failure. It’s confidence. Each of us should have that confidence and learn that grace too. Biles came back stronger than ever – for herself, for her teammates, and for her sport.
In addition to the athletes, it is also Snoop Dogg’s zest for life and authenticity. Whether he is carrying the torch and hanging out with Martha Stewart, swimming with Michael Phelps or always wearing the best outfits – hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg teaches us to enjoy life and rely on our identity. Show the world who you really are.
Each of these stories shows us exactly what the world needs right now: a coming together, not political rhetoric and not fighting. The Olympics show us the triumph in every sport, of course. But they also show us the respect for fellow athletes from all over the world, while all of them are examples of people striving to be their best.
As we cheer on our favorite teams and athletes, we must also learn from this international display of sportsmanship. How do we apply it to our daily lives? How do we take a minute to realize that this is exactly what each of us should be doing in our daily lives? As Simon Sinek says, life is a never-ending game, so do your best every day while believing that everyone else is doing their best too. Let’s learn from these elite athletes at the Olympics.
— Bonnie Jean Feldkamp is a columnist for Creators Syndicate.
