Every four years the greatest worldwide sporting event comes around, the Olympics. The Olympics are what countless athletes dream of and work for their entire lives. Hundreds of childhood dreams are fulfilled and thousands of viewers are inspired.
One of the main reasons I find the Olympics so amazing is the attention it gives other sports. Lots of Americans get really excited for gymnastics, swimming, track, and diving which don't get much media attention outside of the Olympics. For once the news isn't talking about football and basketball but rather focusing on sports that are just as hard (if not somewhat harder) and new sports heroes arise. Had you heard of Katie Ledecky in the past four years? Probably not, but now she is inspiring so many people with her insane talent and humility that make her arguably one of the best female athletes EVER. Not many people can win gold at fifteen and be undefeated in distance events. Simone Biles is now a household name but very few people had heard of her prior to trials that were not gymnastics fans. Even the well known athletes like Michael Phelps who is the most decorated Olympian of all time does not get that much attention other than every four years. They deserve to be known for their talent and have the opportunity to display it on a worldwide stage with millions of viewers tuning in. Even better, after the Olympics many sports see an increase in kids joining a team due to their Olympic exposure.
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My second reason I think the Olympics are great is the worldwide unity and sportsmanship that they promote both in our country and across the globe. In the United States, we are divided on so many issues especially this upcoming election but when our country is competing we all put those issues aside and cheer as one UNITED country for Team USA. Across the globe friendly competition becomes the center of attention rather than violence and hate. As the first refuge team competes, they inspire the world with what adversity they have overcome and bring attention to the suffering that many people endure in the world. They earned a well deserved standing ovation at the opening ceremonies.
As the games continue this week, I can't help but be taken back by the true magnitude of the Olympics. There is no other event, especially no other sporting event, that can unite a country and the world quite like the Olympics.
