The Olympics draws in millions of viewers, consisting of countries across the world rooting on the athletes representing their nation. While the priority of the Olympics may be winning medals, that is not the only important aspect of the games.
Over 200 countries compete against one another during the Olympics, bringing many people of differing ethnicities, beliefs, and races together in a single arena. Many of these teams may not face each other daily, or interact outside of competition, but it is one of the few times in which people from across the world comes together. With so much turmoil occurring within today’s world, it is pleasant to see nations going face to face in athletic competition rather than wars and terrorism.
They Olympics are about unity. Unity of many nations, as well as strengthening the unity and pride between each country’s citizens as they come together to root on their teams. Individuals host viewing parties, paint their bodies, wear their country’s colors, and post support across social media platforms as a way to show their love and support for their nation.
The will and hard work of the Olympians is something to be admired. The games focus on not just the sports, but the athletes that participate. Passion, dedication, and determination are factors in which Olympic athletes possess. These competitor’s successes should be used as lessons in both commitment and diligence. The Olympics are about learning what it means to work for what you want and the kind of determination one possess in order to achieve their dream.
The Olympics are also about perseverance. The media focuses on those who have overcome great odds to make it to this point in their athletic career, in addition to the hard work and dedication of constant practice and hard work. Olympic athletes that have faced extreme diversity make them that much more admirable and can be seen as role models for us all. Whether it be overcoming addiction, racism, sexism, illness, or disabilities, the Olympics showcase those who have made great sacrifices and fought for themselves and their talent.
The 2016 Rio summer Olympics have shown athletic talent, as well as other values and traits that should be recognized. From the first African American woman to win gold in an individual swim race, the first woman to compete in a Hijab, and a team made up entirely of refugees, the 2016 Olympics is one to be remembered as more than just about the athletic achievements made and the medals won.
