Olympic spirit inspires life lessons

I had heard people say the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics would be “hokey,” but I watched it anyway, because I have done so since I was a child. It did not disappoint. I thought it was tasteful, informational and traditional. Traditional is my bag.

I have watched every minute I possibly can, because why would you miss something that will never happen again, and is exciting as well? Even if you aren’t a dyed in the wool sports fan, there is so much to learn. Just the stories behind the stories of the participants are better than your average daily soap opera. Young people who have recently lost their parents in a plane crash, and people who have suffered serious participation injuries are right there displaying their strength to go on despite their difficulties.

These aren’t people who take life lightly. They have dedicated years to trying to be the absolute best they can, sacrificing “normal” life for a chance to win a simple medal, knowing it is just one big chance. Triumphs and tragedies run rampant.

Who knew there were so many kinds of skiing competitions, or how extremely dangerous and difficult they are? Who knew the sport of curling could be so exciting? New sports are added each Olympic season. Next time, flag football will be included. Women are taking up the sport in droves.

Just as on the regular TV shows you watch, you get to know the characters, and quickly learn who you want to root for. There are no villains, per se, just talented wanna-be winners and good sport losers. Yet, no one is really a loser. Just imagine the preparation, the competitions, the waiting for acceptance and the final participation. Even if there is no medal at the end, there is a pride of country, a new camaraderie, a pride of accomplishment that will serve for the rest of their lives.

My heart quickens as each contestant stands at the starting line. I can feel the terrible fatigue that must come from such all- out giving of both the mind and the body. Most of us learn early that we are not Olympic material (with the exception of Dover’s beloved Hunter Armstrong). Wouldn’t it be amazing to put that much effort, talent and time into some other phase of your life? Just think how much we would have accomplished had we dedicated ourselves to our work the way Olympians do. Wouldn’t it be nice to raise our children with the values of an Olympian, even if they never ski, skate or shoot?

I’m going to cheer this year’s participants on until the very end, and then start waiting for the summer, new sports and new winners.