Every two years, athletes from around the world unite to give the rest of the world the most spectacular show. Dreams are destroyed and hearts are broken. Heroes are created and Olympians are born. The whole world holds their breath with anticipation as they watch incredibly talented athletes excel. For over two weeks, the world comes together for one common event.
The Olympics.
Ever since I was four years old, I have watched the Olympics religiously. I would sit in front of the television for hours as I watched the great athletes of the world compete in the biggest competition on earth. I can vividly remember tumbling down our long hallway, vaulting my way to childhood gold.
The Olympics are incredible because they showcase the best of the best. This same mentality can be found in the words E. Pluribus Unum, which are found American currency. The phrase E. Pluribus Unum stands for one out of many, one. That embodies the spirit of the Olympics. Out of the thousands of athletes vying for those coveted medals, only a select few will actually win them.
Nothing on earth can quite compare to the Olympic games. This year, controversy has swirled around the Games in Rio. Safety is a major concern and most of the headlines preceding the opening ceremony have been negative. The threat of the Zika virus has paralyzed the world and even prevented people from journeying to Rio for the games. Russia’s doping scandal has shocked and angered competitors and spectators alike. But despite the negative headlines, the pure existence of the Olympics is a feat unlike any other.
From now until August 21, my evenings will be devoted to sitting in front of the television watching the Olympics. I want to learn as much about the competitors as I can, even those who hail from other nations. It never ceases to amaze me how the Olympics bring us together.
Take a look at the refugee team, for example. Those 10 athletes have no home, flag, anthem, or nation to call their own. In March of this year, the International Olympic Committee made the decision to create a refugee team that gave these athletes a chance that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. Five athletes are from South Sudan, two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, two from Syria, and one from Ethiopia.
One of the Syrian refugees in particular has gained lots of media attention. Eighteen-year-old Yusra Mardini helped saved a boat full of refugees by using her incredible swimming skills. During the Olympic swimming preliminary heats, Mardini went on to win her heat, even though she did not advance further.
Even Michael Phelps has returned to the Olympic stage in Rio de Janiero. He broke Olympic history once again on Sunday night as he swam to a record-breaking 19th career gold medal in the men’s 400-meter relay. Watching him swim to victory was an emotional triumph for America, as well as the rest of world. Regardless of which country you cheer for, his 23 Olympic medals are nothing short of legendary.
As Americans, we should be incredibly proud of our country. Yes, we have our flaws. Yes, we can improve upon some things. But regardless, the United States is home to some of the best athletes that the world has ever seen. Mary Lou Retton, Bruce Jenner, Bob Mathias, Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Dara Torres, Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali are just some of the American legends.
America embodies that spirit.
E. Pluribus Unum.
Out of many, one.
