In watching the Olympic games, I've been struck at the vast number of different sports that make up the games. It's quite incredible, really, when you see sports from the traditional of Track and Field, Gymnastics, Swimming and Diving.....to those that don't always garner the limelight. The Equestrian, Shooting, Synchronized, Badminton, Table Tennis.....the list could really go on and on of those sports that hardly ever make the "news".
While the range of sports is so different....it's the similarities across all of these different athletes that really is quite striking! DEDICATION Each athlete has to dedicate him or herself to the practicing and competition that prepares for the Olympic challenges. In order to reach the Olympics at ANY sport, takes a lifetime of preparation.
SACRIFICE In order to reach the pinnacle at a sport, each athlete has had to put that activity at the fore-front of their life. From the intense physical training, to the travel and financial costs...there is no way to become an Olympian without giving up almost every other life pursuit.
FOCUS To compete at the highest level, an Olympian has to be able to singularly focus on the task at hand. For those athletes (like the professional basketball or tennis players) who are accustomed to being on a very large stage, this has already become a part of everyday competition. For athletes who are not used to being on such a very large & very public stage, the idea of blocking out all of the distractions and performing as though NOBODY IS WATCHING indeed takes incredible focus.
DISAPPOINTMENT For almost every athlete, there are far more losses than wins. It is a truly remarkable athlete who can LEARN more from defeat than victory, and use the lessons to prepare for the next challenge.
It's almost hard to not get caught up in the spirit of the Olympic Games. Even for sports I have never ever watched before, I get drawn into the story.....watching with amazement at the person who is the athlete involved in the competition.
In some ways, it's too bad the Olympic Games only roll around every 4 years....though that span between competitions is a big part of the draw. It's the idea that for the athlete "there won't necessarily be a next time" for the big opportunity. The drama of the Olympic games is the fact that for most of these amazing young men and women...this one competition is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. There are a few exceptions to that rule, of course....but with stakes that high.....it truly is an incredible journey to watch.