At this point in the summer, the world is in full Olympic mode. Last Friday, the world watched in awe of the beauty and creativity that took place during the opening ceremony. We cheered as thousands of athletes paraded through the stadium bearing their country’s flag with pride. Then, the competition began. Each day, we sit on the edge of our seats, exulting in victory, and mourning in defeat. We have seen destinies fulfilled and overturned, dreams have been made and crushed, and lives changed forever. Any somewhat culturally aware person knows that the Olympic Games are important, but their true meaning and purpose transcend that of normal athletic competition.
1. At the Olympics, your race/heritage isn't your obstacle, it is your mascot.
It doesn’t take a genius to understand the level of diversity represented at the Olympics. Over 11,000 athletes are competing in Rio right now, all coming from one of 207 countries/delegations. If you thought you were good at geography, watch the seemingly never-ending Parade of Nations and find out just how many countries you never knew existed! The Olympic spirit encourages everyone to embrace their nationality rather than be ashamed of it. No one is considered less of a person because of the flag printed on their uniform, and face it, even that Ethiopian swimmer going viral for being overweight would school all of us in a race any time, any place.
2. Kids are watching people work their butts off for something other than money and fame
Living in the US, professional athletics are on the tips of our fingers. Between the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and more, most Americans call themselves fans of some kind of team. Of course, professional athletes have worked hard, and I don’t wish to minimize that. However, when you see someone like Dwayne Wade, who had become the foundation and focal point of Miami basketball, leave his team for a even bigger paycheck, it doesn’t set the greatest example. I don’t want my kids to grow up equating success with wealth, and the Olympics work against that. Olympians are everyday people that want something (other than money) so badly that they are willing to dedicate their lives to it. From the Olympics, children can learn that money doesn’t have to be the endgame, and it shouldn’t be. These athletes have worked so hard towards becoming the best they can be in order to make their friends, families, and countries proud - those are the people I'd want my kids to look up to one day.
3. Now my CNN notifications are actually about good, positive things!
Prior to the opening ceremony, all news surrounding Rio seemed to be negative. The athletes’ village was falling apart, the city was in shambles, the economy suffering, the Zika virus was plaguing the streets, etc. Bad publicity continuously tainted the once vibrant, tropical image of the celebrated city, and fear began to spread about the success of the upcoming games. However, once the torch was lit, that fear seemed to evaporate into thin air. Reports of poor city conditions were replaced with discussions of athletic excellence. Arguments over economic stability became debates over who would win the next gold medal. A freaking diving pool turned bright green and even that wasn’t really attacked by the media! For the first time in years, headlines aren’t prefacing murders, bombings, and terrorism; they celebrate the success of athletes who have achieved their lifelong dreams! The world has come together to show their appreciation for these hard workers representing their country, and for once the good in the world is receiving more recognition than the bad.
4. Less popular sports still get recognized.
You go, fencing team!
5. The United States is kicking ass.
Between Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and others, the “U” in USA has come to represent “unstoppable”.
6. There's a refugee team.
One of their swimmers, Yusra Mardini, once swam across the Aegean Sea for her life and the lives of 20 others, now she's swimming for gold.
7. Hottie Lamati with the swimmer's body x1000000000
Because who wouldn’t want to see Tom Daley in a speedo?
And to wrap it up on a more serious note (not that abs are unimportant, but they aren’t everything)…
8. A country consistently divided over controversy can finally unite behind one common purpose
In today’s world, everything is controversial. People have gotten so passionate about certain problems that practically every conversation you hear is an argument. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I’m just noting how refreshing it is for us to all be rooting for the same team. Go USA!
