The countdown has begun for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Anyone who knows me would say that I don’t follow any sport whatsoever during the normal year, and they are correct. There is something though about the Olympics every four years, however, that gets me hooked. The celebration of different country’s athletic performances through the Olympic Games is remarkable. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to describe what it’s like to watch your homeland take home gold. That gets me thinking of what it’s like to actually be one of those athletes. Representing the United States of America in these games isn’t just a title. It’s an honor.
During the month of June, my social media feeds were filled with updates on the Olympic Trials and news stories on what we should expect from athletes come August. Scrolling through I saw excitement, smiles and tears as newcomers were being introduced for Rio 2016.
Soon August will come, and these up and coming athletes will become household names for us. We will know the time their match is televised and what their recent statistics are. We will also see either success or failure in their eyes after they compete. A split second can determine whether someone is standing on the podium or sitting on the bench with tears flowing hard. Before the Olympics begin, I would like to take the time to appreciate these athletes before they step foot in Rio. For at this moment, they already are winners. They won a beloved spot on Team USA. Can you say that for yourself? I sure can’t.
My favorite part of this experience now is watching the trials cut from news outlets and witnessing these moments, like when a swimmer looks up from the water to discover he is going to the Olympics for Team USA. There is something so incredibly inspiring by looking at the raw human reaction a person experiences at these moments. Years and years may have gone into the most important minute and a half of an athlete’s life during that time. Looking at what that feeling looks like when everything you have ever worked for FINALLY pays off is one word: fulfilling.
I am someone who enjoys mantras and motivational quotes because those are the things that get me through the day. Someone’s writing or actions can inspire me either for the duration of a tough workout or my entire life. The people I see on my iPhone screen being the same age as me and qualifying for the Olympic Games is truly moving. You see families celebrate their daughter’s achievement and girlfriends running to kiss their boyfriend all in a rush. Watching how a person’s life is changed in such a dramatic way shows you that so much is possible for anyone out there who is willing and driven enough to run after it. Human emotions are crazy and fleeting. Truly live every day with the intent on making choices that can change your life and that inspire you. Our minds are strong tools we often take for granted. Put your mind to something. Your body will follow and then soon, your life.
