3 Reasons Why The Olympics Is About More Than Just Sports
Start writing a post
Sports

3 Reasons Why The Olympics Is About More Than Just Sports

When it really shouldn't

583
3 Reasons Why The Olympics Is About More Than Just Sports
TBM Women in the World

The Olympics are a series of competitions where you can watch people from all over the world showcase their talents. There's nothing more admirable than to watch the dedication, the self-confidence and the pride that each athlete exhibits throughout the competitions. While the majority of us focus on the athletes’ talents, there were a few instances when the world focused on things other than sports.


1. I am more than my hair (Gabby Douglas)

Have you seen the way Gabby Douglas performs? I mean, have you really seen her? She's amazing at what she does. How many people do you know that overcame childhood hardship and won their first gold medal at age 16, and to top it off, is still at the height of their career four years later? Exactly my point! This kind of achievement takes hard work, a lot of dedication, determination and developed skills. But instead of focusing on her accomplishments, a small number of people still manage to overlook all of the above and focus on something as minuscule as her hair. Have we not learned anything from India Arie's "I Am Not My Hair" song? If having a hairstyle that some don't agree with is the price to pay in order to be a badass, then I'm ready to sacrifice the esthetic of my hair tomorrow.

So proud of you, Gabby.

2. An Inspiring story (Alexa Moreno)

At 22 years old, Alexa Moreno is one of the few athletes to represent Mexico. That alone deserves a round of applause. Since she was three, Alexa has been training for one of the world's most competitive sports, gymnastics. Yet, the focus wasn't on her amazing skills or the fact that she broke the stereotype by proving to the world that curvy women can be just as amazing at gymnastics as anyone else. No, instead some people made the conscious decision to body-shame her on Twitter. However, the highlight of this story is the overwhelming outpour of support the young athlete received from all of her fans.

For more about Alexa Moreno's inspiring story, check out this short video.

3. And off he goes (Robel Kiros Habte)

24-year-old Robel Kiros Habte competed in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he finished last. Many mocked his physique and less-than-stellar performance. However, a lot can be said about this young athlete. He did manage to make it to the Olympics, and he still tried his best to represent his country, Ethiopia. Doesn't that count for something? Doesn't the fact that he still finished the race deserve some applause and encouragement? Well, while a lot of people continue to mock this athlete, a lot more people are forever perplexed on how he qualified. It was later revealed that Robel is the son of Ethiopia Swimming Federation Boss Kiros Habte. This explains how the young athlete was given the chance to represent his country. And if it is at all true, his performance says more about sport corruption than the inspiring story I painted earlier.

While the Olympics are still taking place, let's focus on something more important than somebody's look and appearance. Let's focus on skills, and may the best win.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70850
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132445
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments