Olympics

The Olympics are almost over. There was a chinese frenzy, all over the world, over this momentous event. Not that there wasn't a Greek frenzy for the last Olympics but let's face it, there's a lot more chinese than there are greeks. This commotion has got me thinking... thinking about what it is like to be an Olympian. WOW.... doesn't that just give you thrilling goose bumps? Imagine being able to call yourself an 'Olympian'.... wow.

Funny enough, they are not that different to the rest of us; except, of course, for their record setting feats. They get married, they have children, they go to school and work-out (if you can call it a workout). Above all, they have fierce determination & incredible work (or workout) ethic. And, despite scandals of some athletes using drugs to enhance their performance, we think of Olympians as very honorable individuals. Yes, along w/ the Nobel Prizes, medalling in the Olympics is generally regarded as having achieved a rare pinnacle reserved for the 'honorable' few. 

So, this got me thinking even more... why? After all they are just athletes. That, was the catch! I came to the conclusion they are not just athletes. They are held to a completely different standard than the rest of us. The Olympic Spirit carefully details in their mission: "Building a peaceful and better world... in the Olympic Spirit which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." In essence, Olympians are ambassadors, of honour, integrity, kindness, etc... But, somewhere in the unspoken they also represent THE hard-work of their nation. It is the latter that makes us most proud and for a brief 2 weeks we root for them, cheer while watching swimming or track & field events, thousands of miles away. We just hope that through them our country might be perpetuated in history, and with that our heritage will be also. For those who care, and it's not everyone, it feels that we share in their glory when they win... and frankly it feels nice. It's a bunch of people putting their best foot forward, everyday, for the 2 weeks they are under public scrutiny and they show us, admirably well that this can be a better world. Then, we're back to the grind, the news about how politicians can't make up their mind with the state budget, how Russia invaded Georgia under some bogus excuse, how Obama & McCain are going at it again, etc... we drown our are senses with negative news for another 4 years... until the Olympics role around again. Ok, so it's not that bad, but I make it sound good, don't I?