The Olympics are a time for the world to set our differences aside and come together for one purpose. This is the purest competition of true athleticism and dedication to the pursuit of perfection in one's sport or discipline. It truly amazing to watch what Olympians can do and to see how they perform under enormous amounts of pressure. Of course, there are always a few that rise above the others and really stand out, for all the world to see.
I have to admit, I am completely blown away by two athletes in particular: Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. Phelps has been competing in the Olympics since he was 15, while Biles, 19, is competing in her first. Both of these athletes have one thing in common: their drive to be number one.
Phelps has had a long career of medals and successes when it comes to swimming, but it hasn't been an easy journey along the way. After the London Olympics, he announced his retirement from the sport. It was during the next two years that he struggled with his identity outside of swimming, and had some infractions with the law, including his arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). This public portrayal of 'an athlete gone rogue' surprised a lot of Americans. Phelps was always up to par in everything he did up to that point, but perhaps that's an understatement. He may be a superhuman in the pool, but for the first time, everyone saw the mortal side of Phelps.
He has since told reporters that this was a very dark time, for he was dealing with depression and lacking a sense of purpose. After the DUI, however, his personal comeback began. Something sparked inside him, and the fire re-ignited. He climbed (swam) all the way from rock bottom back to the very top, where he now stands in Rio. At 31 years old, Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history.
Overcoming many obstacles has continued to prove his capabilities as being one of the best athletes of all time. Watching him compete in Rio has truly been inspiring. Phelps has overcome so much to get to this point, and if there's one thing he has taught the world, it's that nothing is impossible.
Entering the gymnastics world, this year we have first-time Olympian Simone Biles, and she has taken the world by storm. She is called a 'power gymnast', and that term is self-explanatory when you watch her. Biles combines strength, skill, and grace to earn those elusive high scores. She has swiftly worked her way to the top in these games, but not without overcoming hardships in her past.
Biles was raised by her grandparents from when she was very young. Her father wasn't a part of her life, and her mother struggled with substance abuse. After being in a foster home with her sisters, Biles' grandparents found them and took them in as their own. She has successfully pushed through adversity and stereotypes, leading her to the highest level of competition possible. As we watch her dreams and her story unfold, we also get to see foundations being laid for the future. Simone Biles is an inspiration not only to aspiring gymnasts but to young girls as a whole. Her story proves that reaching your goals IS possible, no matter the situation or costs.
Both of these Olympians and so many others have to push against the boundaries of possibility. The driving force is different for each individual, but there is a fire that burns in all of us to do something.
The Olympic spirit is not just for those who make the journey to the highest level of competition in the world, but it's a spirit that resides in all of us. The key is allowing this spirit to come alive and guide us in our journey.
Faith is not determined by logic but has all the room for reason and hope. Once it is ignited, it can be a very powerful force in an ever-changing world. I think the world needs more faith, and the Olympics are a beacon of hope and inspires those who have felt hopeless and discouraged. Life throws trials at us, but we can be prepared to fight through those battles when we hold fast to our faith and stand our ground.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7
