There is no athletic competition bigger than the Olympics. It is no wonder it brings out such competitive spirits. However, what do we do when this competitive spirit brings out the worst in people? When athletes cheat, when they are unhappy to get second, or when injuries become something to brush off in the attempt for another medal.
This Olympics this year have been fraught with talks of Russia’s state-sponsored program for banned substances, but this is no new experience in the Olympics. China has been accused several times of cheating in gymnastics by sending girls who are under the minimum age, not unfairly, as it was proved that Dong Fangxiao, who won bronze in the team event, gold in floor, and bronze all around, was only 14 during these Olympics. Or during the 2012 London Olympics when 8 badminton players were disqualified for trying to purposely throw early matches in order to play easier teams first, and have an easier ascent to gold. No matter how many amazing feats that happen at the Olympics at least one is bound to be accomplished through suspicious means. Furthermore, when they don’t use banned means, or sometimes even if they do, not getting that gold medal can mean more than the experience of being an Olympian.
Do you remember McKayla Maroney, whose ire at having come in second after her remarkable vault was captured forever in a meme that is still circulating today? She got a silver medal. She proved to the world that she is the second best vaulter in the world that year, and yet she was not just dissatisfied with her placement she was unhappy. The difference is with one you know you can do better and work hard to figure out how to get there, the other you’re angry against the whole situation and usually blaming anyone but yourself. McKayla Maroney was understandably upset, just as any Olympian who came so close to gold only to fall just slightly short would be. Worse than being unhappy with a score, is not even being able to compete, as some of those who have injured themselves during qualifications can tell you.
Perhaps the most famous of all American injuries that were then ignored was Kerri Strug who injured her ankle on her first vault but performed her second vault landing on both feet but almost immediately hopping onto her one good one. It was all her team needed to clinch the gold for her team. This is not the only time injuries have been brushed off for the chance at the Olympics. In fact, just now I watched Ellie Downie hit her head and neck area on her floor exercised, attempt to restart, then have to stop due to her injury. Then, she returned to complete her two vaults, in order to help Great Britain, get third in team rankings, and give herself a good chance at both all-around and at uneven bars. The Olympics are dangerous and those who compete know the risks, but experiencing those consequences is much different, and knowing it could be your last shot pushes some to ignore their injuries.
The Olympics bring out the competitive sides but also cause some really terrible attitudes. It can be amazing watching those amazing athletes but so much worse is watching an Olympian fall due to cheating, or bad attitude, or even injuries completely not their fault. Every year the push to get better and better pushes people further and further, and this can have some severe consequences. There needs to be a focus on being the best you can be and pushing yourself but not so far that your willing to die for that golden medal.
