The Olympic Games have been around for hundreds of years. However, they still remain significant. Like many other kids around the world, I always watched every single Olympics with my family. Despite how unpopular or unknown the sport may have been, I was always amazed by the athletes who passionately dedicated their lives to it. Today, I still feel the same way. Although every sport is entertaining in it's own right, the athletes themselves are what make the games truly inspiring.
The athletes who compete in the Olympics are a paradox of sorts. On the one hand, they are so extraordinarily talented, physically fit, and dedicated to their sport that most people do not think that they can relate to them. On the other hand though, they never fail to prove to the rest of us that they are people who make mistakes, get embarrassed, receive criticism, struggle financially, and even ugly cry just like the rest of us.
Take swimmer Michael Phelps for example. As the most decorated Olympian of all time, no one can truly relate to him on that level. Competing in multiple Olympics, continuing to win gold medals even in his 30s, and just being able to swim multiple strokes well are all things that seem incomprehensible to many people. However, the world has watched Michael grow from a young teenager in his first Olympics to a great father in his final one. We have watched him stumble after competing in London during the Summer of 2012. Multiple drunk driving arrests and court appearances made many people think of Michael in a negative light. People were disappointed in him and he was extremely disappointed in himself. Now that is a feeling we can all relate to. After going to rehab and bettering himself, Michael made the ultimate comeback by winning more medals in these 2016 Olympics. Surviving the emotional roller coaster of winning tons of Olympic medals in 2012 (and 2008), to not wanting to get out of bed post London 2012, to where he is today is inspiring to all. He also got engaged and became a parent which is something many people can relate to. Even the great Michael Phelps teared up when he saw his fiancé, son, and mother in the stands while he accepted one of his many gold medals. That golden moment just never gets old especially when you have loved ones to share it with. After all, aren't we all striving to share our proudest moments with the ones we love?
Of course, Michael Phelps is not the only inspiring Olympian. In fact, practically every Olympian is an inspiration in one way or another since they work so hard and make many sacrifices for their sport. Beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings is another inspiring standout Olympic athlete. She celebrated her 38th birthday during these Olympic Games and has won three gold medals in previous Olympics. She is also a mother of three. She has faced many different challenges coming into these Olympics. Not only did she switch playing partners after playing with Misty May-Treanor for many years, but also she switched the side that she played on so that her new partner could continue playing on the left side. She also sustained many shoulder injuries and had multiple surgeries. With all that said, Kerri still loved the game of beach volleyball and continued to pursue her passion at this year's Olympics. Seeing someone follow their passion no matter how difficult it is extremely motivational. Kerri and her playing partner April Ross ended up winning the bronze medal after a disappointing loss the night before. Losing was a new experience for Kerri and she was completely devastated that she did not make it to the gold medal match. Remarkably, she and April won that tough bronze medal match just 24 hours after feeling emotionally destroyed. Kerri won her fourth Olympic medal with more grace than anyone I think I have ever seen. She thanked every single person on that beach volleyball court after every match she played. She hugged and sincerely thanked the workers on the sidelines who are usually forgotten. You do not see many people doing that. Even after the awful loss, she thanked and hugged everyone on the court (including her competitors. She handled herself with the greatest amount of grace and poise under such difficult circumstances. Now that is something that everyone strives for.
The Olympics are truly unlike anything else on Earth. Watching the most elite athletes alive compete against each other every four years is a true privilege. Watching the world peacefully come together in times of intense conflict is something that is unique to the Olympic Games. Watching the emotions flood over someone's face after their lifetime of hard work has paid off is absolutely priceless. That is why the athletes make the Olympics inspiring to all who watch them with tears in their eyes.
