As humans, it's natural for us to separate ourselves. We are divided by race, sex, and nations. Yet through all the political and religious differences we may have, there is a time where we all come together. No matter what sex, race, or even nationality, these categories do not bound an Olympic athlete.
It's strange how sports can bring humanity closer to each other. While there are many troubling issues between us, we are willing to let go for only a brief moment and watch as each athlete represents their country and themselves in the Olympic sports.
Watching the opening ceremony, I noticed something similar with each athlete. Through all the troubles each country has faced this past year, I noticed the same smile stretched across each face. Their eyes glistened under the stadium lights. Their smiles grew wider as they passed thousands of faces. It was as if only for a brief moment they had forgotten about every troubling moment and let Rio take them over.
As an American, I always cheer for my country, no matter what sport. But when it is not my country, I cheer on each athlete and admire their performance. This is the moment where they give everything they have. Their whole career depends on this one moment, a moment in glory.
I cheer for each athlete because each and every one of them deserves it. They have all endured pain, struggle, and sacrifice. They have all been defeated and learned from their loss. They have all pushed themselves to a breaking point and kept going. They are all champions. And that's what the Olympics is all about. It's about fighting for the same thing; gold. A simple element driving each athlete.
I talk about unity because each nation comes together. We understand each other, supporting one another. Nationality does not matter. Out there, they are an opponent given the same respect as everyone else. Everyone is treated equally, given the same opportunity for a chance of victory.
When watching the Olympics, carefully watch each athlete. Look at their struggles painted across their face. Watch as their eyes sparks in excitement and determination. See the sweat, blood, and tears each of them shed. Take in their performance filled with passion and dedication. They are all the same.
Perhaps we can all learn something from the Olympics. If we can all come together and view each other as equals for a sport, why shouldn't we be able to do this for anything else? We are all people fighting for something. Maybe one day, we can come together for something besides sports. Maybe one day, we will stand together each and every day instead of every four years.
