Since we are currently in the middle of the 2016 Summer Olympic games in Rio, I wanted to reflect and share what the Olympics represent to me. As I am currently writing this article, the Unites States have won 29 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 16 bronze medals. However, the Olympics represent so much more than just gold medals.

Behind every Olympic appearance and behind every medal won, there lies a backstory that cannot be seen through the televisions that we so eagerly gather around. There lies hours and hours of training that goes pretty much unseen. There lie tears and injuries that threatened the success of these athletes. An Olympic appearance and an Olympic gold medal represents everything that these athletes have overcome. It signifies that these individuals have truly reached a point in their athletic careers where they are untouchable. When watching Olympic athletes compete, you would never be able to tell that what they are doing is no easy feat. These athletes make everything look as though their high level of achievement is possible for the average human. Not only do I believe it takes a favorable athletic build to reach the caliber of these athletes, but also an attitude that cannot be found in most individuals. These athletes have a hunger for always wanting to improve. They live to train and have a passion for their sport that fuels their drive to keep pushing. These individuals competing in the Olympics have reached a place both physically and mentally that cannot be easily replicated.

The Olympics also represent a whole generation of children who are looking to these athletes for inspiration. Behind every gymnast there are thousands of girls and boys looking on with amazement at all they can accomplish above the bar or on a set of rings. There are so many little girls looking to Simone Biles and hoping to one day perform as explosively as she. Behind every sprinter and long distance runner there are hopeful children running in their back yard and around their neighborhood with images of Olympic gold in their head. Behind every beach and indoor volleyball player, there stand thousands of girls and boys who measure themselves every week to see how much they have grown because one day they hope to be as tall as Kerri Walsh or Matt Anderson. Behind every swimmer, golfer, diver, ping pong player, etc., a whole generation of children who are now thirsty for their own version of success are watching. I have been fortunate enough to grow up in the era of Kerri Walsh as she currently competes in her fourth Olympics.

When I was only seven, she competed in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, Greece where her and Misty May won Olympic gold. The duo continued to dominate for two more Olympic games in Bejing and London. Both women have always been huge inspirations that fueled any fire or aspirations I had for myself in the game of volleyball. Not only are they extremely successful volleyball players, but they are also great women to look up to. Both Misty May and Kerri Walsh set such great examples and their competitive, fierce edge has taught so many young aspiring volleyball players how to push and battle towards victory. Currently, the athletes in this 2016 Olympics foster the drive for the next Michael Phelps and the next Serena Williams. These Olympics are being watched by the next Kerri Walsh and the next Allyson Felix. No matter the sport, so many young children are now setting goals to work towards that will only help them grow as individuals as well as athletes.

Finally, the Olympics also represent a time to forget all that may be wrong in the world and to come together as a whole. The world today does not exist in peace. Every time I turn on the news or read an article online I am informed of more violence and more disagreement. Especially here within the United States, a huge divide among our citizens can be found due to a political race that has turned so many against each other. The Olympics provide a time for everyone around the globe to come together and forget our differences. So many cultures converge at this single event and the world unites over the mutual appreciation and support of these athletes competing. In times filled with turbulence, the Olympics act as an escape that removes the focus away from politics and violence. It provides a time for everyone to gather and celebrate the success and achievement of all the Olympic athletes.