The Olympics…The Glue of the World

So often it seems like our world is so disjointed and that unifying as one people is some utopian notion that could never become a reality. Well, I take that back…kind of. I must say that whenever there is a disaster, usually in an under-developed country, the world seems to grow closer as organizations and governments from a multitude of countries step forward to bring aid. In recent years, we have seen this kind of unification with the Tsunami of 2004 and more recently we are seeing it in Haiti.

The amount of support, aid, and outreach that has taken place in Haiti has been phenomenal and truly a sign of human compassion at its best. A silver lining in an absolutely tragic story. So, in no way do I want to take away from that, but the reality is that I don’t think it should take a natural disaster and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives to bring our nations together. Chronic conditions and sudden tragedies are not the only things that should unite our world, and, for this reason, I find the Olympics to be extraordinary. Just what the doctor ordered.

Along with The World Cup (which I also find to be one of the greatest events in the world, and not just because I like sports), the Olympics create a bond between the countries of the world that is so rare and so needed. For two weeks, the world comes together to focus on the best athletes in the world in the spirit of international greatness. Yes, there is competition and medals are given out to the top three athletes in each event, but it is so much more than that.

To the individual athletes, the competition may be the driving force that allows them to sacrifice so much in preparation; but, the Olympics have far more to do with than just sport. They have to do with celebrating our world. The unique cultures, people, religions, traditions all come together to celebrate. Fans and athletes from all over the world are hugging and celebrating. Truly an international celebration like no other (along with The World Cup).

They are about hard work, determination, celebration, tragedy, dreams, overcoming challenges, support, growth, teamwork, focus – globally universal themes. In a word, they are about heart. And, this is something that every single person in the world has and why, at the end of the day, we truly are one people. Heart.

As I watched the Olympics in Vancouver, I couldn’t help but be swept away by a few highlights and lowlights. No matter your nationality…

Who didn’t feel the pain from the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the 21-year-old luger from the Soviet Republic of Georgia, who died during his training run on the day of the Opening Ceremonies? TV commentators, athletes, and coaches from around the world felt this loss and it showed on their faces. So much so that the Opening Ceremonies were dedicated to Nodar.

Who didn’t feel the joy for Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao, the Chinese ice skaters that won their first gold medal after four Olympics? What a love story. They met eighteen years ago, fell in love five years ago and got married three years ago. In their first three Olympic competitions they won the bronze medal in 2002 and 2006, and then retired. With their gold medal dream still alive, and now married, they came out of retirement to go for it yet one more time… and they succeeded. The joy on their faces was priceless and felt around the world.

Who didn’t feel the relief for Lindsey Vonn as she won the gold medal for women’s downhill skiing after not being able to step on a pair of skis for 3 weeks before her race because of an extreme injury to her shin? I found myself excited to just see her make it down the hill safely, let alone win the whole thing. Here is a woman who had a dream when she was nine years old and, in the best year of her career, having won five-out-of-six of the events around the world, she injured herself weeks before the Olympics. The emotions that poured out of her at the bottom of hill were something we have all experienced in our unique way.

Who can’t help but love Shaun White, who has become the poster child for the Olympics with his long red hair, big smile, and ability to push a sport to a limit it has never seen before? In some ways, Shaun White is an anomaly. Snowboarders and skateboarders are often cornered into the stereotype of rogue characters, a bit crazy, and definitely not “All American.” Then there is Shaun. Sure he might have crazy hair, but he brings professionalism, class, and genuine emotion that is hard not to love. Oh, and he happens to be far better than his closest competitor…namely due to his work ethic, according to him.

Who couldn’t feel the weight of a country that South Korean Ice Skater Kim Yu-Na had on her tiny 19 year old frame? The idea of becoming South Korean’s first ever gold medalist in ice skating. Yet, still so humble with her simple smile. I can still hear her saying that she was trying not to feel the pressure, and that she just wanted to do the best she could and be happy with it. Not bad for a 19 year old skating on the biggest stage the world has to offer.

I could go on and on with these types of stories, but most likely you have already heard most of them. The bottom line is that the Olympics matter. They remind us that we are all connected. We come from different corners of the world – big cities, farms, fishing villages. We are raised under different religions, governments, and social influences. But, at the end of the day, we all experience the same emotions. The same heart. Be it pain, joy, admiration, relief, or pressure, we all feel it.

And, this is why I love the Olympics. They are a breath of fresh air. The glue for a world that often times seems broken. And, I will miss them now that they are gone, but can’t wait for World Cup South Africa to begin in June. May the world come together and celebrate our “oneness” again.