What Rio And the Olympics Mark In Our Lives
Start writing a post
Sports

What Rio And the Olympics Mark In Our Lives

Rio de Janeiro presents their own creatively, unifying Olympic Games, marking progress and the future for each of us.

10
What Rio And the Olympics Mark In Our Lives

After anxiously waiting four years, the Olympic Games are back. I vividly remember watching the closing ceremony of the London Olympic Games back in 2012. It was the summer before my freshman year of high school, a crazy and overly complicated time when choosing classes mattered and grades became increasingly stressed. As those games came to a close, though, I had the startling realization that the next time the games would appear, I would have graduated from high school and I would be ready to leave home for college. Little high school freshman me tried to picture schooling far off, living on my own, taking care of myself. I remember finishing the London Games deep in thought because I didn’t really have an answer to where I pictured myself in four years.


The Olympics are an exciting time because while politically the world may seem to be a disaster, the Olympics prove our ability to play and compete united, together. And it’s pretty amazing to watch.

The Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony was electrifying to watch as the stage was filled with thousands of cohesive performers in a seamless production. My entire family was huddled around with me, my aunt, uncles, cousins, grandparents, all watching it unfold as the ceremony just so happened to fall on my tenth birthday.

Then again in 2012, London amazed me as James Bond and the Queen parachuted in and the enormous five rings were molded and lifted together. I, my family, and the world was astounded by the unexpectedly fantastic openings and sixteen days of Games that followed.

Four years goes by fast and Rio 2016 has arrived.

Rio was barraged with criticism going into the Olympics, leaving their opening ceremony undoubtedly also under high scrutiny. Poor NBC coverage of the event didn’t help Rio’s viewing numbers.

But the Rio opening ceremony still struck me as an impressive, world-enriching presentation. The goal was to show Brazil, their history and what it has become. It was a unique and creative display, not nearly as massive or show-stopping as China or England. But those are completely differently countries with completely different cultures, backgrounds, and goals. Brazil colorfully displayed its history beginning with the indigenous people and concluding with growing buildings and large cities. Climate change was a main focus and one I believe Brazil wants to help change for a better world. Protecting the incredible mass of the Amazon rainforest hasn’t always been easy or successful, but Rio’s message for change displays their hope for a better future. As I watched again with my family as Rio opened the Olympics, I was not at all disappointed but felt a connection to a new culture through the world’s impact and involvement with climate change.

Rio de Janeiro is known for its drastic social and economic spectrum but these Olympics prove hope for change. Their culture and roots won’t change, as we saw proudly displayed during the opening, but hope for a new, worldly, cohesive country is there.


These Olympics symbolize my big step to college while they symbolize to their home city of Rio de Janeiro a leap to new equalities. The Olympics mark major checkpoints in our lives that we remember alongside our families, and the world. The Olympics mark and make memories, simultaneously bringing us all together through culture and the love of the Games.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43717
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27494
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952361
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

148446
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments