Every four years, people from around the world tune in to watch the Summer Olympic Games. This year, there are 306 events talking place at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The Olympics are very exciting to watch, and I cannot help but tune into every event I can. Whether it is swimming, cycling, fencing, or equestrian, there are lessons to be learned from all of them.
1. If you fall, get right back up!
Great Britain's Mo Farah took a tumble during the finals of the men's 10,000m run. At that point, many would just give up and not even think about winning a medal. Farah, however, did not. He got up almost as fast as he went down, and was able to reclaim his spot at the top of the podium.
2. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
Michael Phelps went to his first Olympic games at the age 15. He did not medal in any events, and was determined to go back in four years to be a part of the team again. After 4 more Olympics, Phelps has gotten 28 total medals; 23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. He is the most decorated Olympian in the world.
3. Age is irrelevant
Simone Biles is a 19 year old gymnast from Columbus, Ohio. At the age of 16, she became a senior gymnast and competed at the national and international levels. In the time, she earned 23 medals. 5 of those medals (4 gold, 1 bronze) were earned at the Rio Games, and tied the record for most medals won in a single Olympics. She was able to accomplish such great feats before she reached 20, and it proves that seniority does not always mean superior.
4. Make the best of a bad situation
The Australians were the first to arrive in Rio this summer, and they reported that the living conditions were less than desirable. With exposed wires and missing shower curtains, the U.S. Men's Basketball Team decided that they would take up residence in a unique setting. Off the shore of Rio, there was a cruise ship where the team lived while they were competing. The men also invited the Women's team to take advantage of the ship, and they happily accepted.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games were a showcase of strong women, unbelievable stories, and breathtaking upsets. Every Olympian had put their blood, sweat, and tears into competing in their events, and it truly showed. Every event had people on the edge of their seats, and kept the world watching on. Whether you were cheering on your home country or rooting for the underdog, it is always heartwarming to see someone at the top of the podium while their national anthem plays.
