“If you don’t try to win, you might as well hold the Olympics in somebody’s back yard.”
-Jessie Owens
This Friday, in Beijing China, the world will hold the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Olympics. It’s amazing to me that the eyes of every nation will be collectively cast on an event that is celebrated now (although I’m sure that we are a bit more dramatic), just as it was thousands of years ago.
One World, One Dream
Most historians agree that the original Olympics began in 776 BC, or earlier, and ran until the Romans outlawed them as a pagan festival in 393 AD. And now, all these many centuries later, the world looks back with a shared nod to an ancient global history that first died and was then reborn to pull us all together every couple of years.
Think about everything that the Olympics represent: history, competition, honor, respect, commitment….
And like the Greeks, our Olympics are brimmed with tragedy and drama; a legion of human souls throwing their everything into a lifetime of training just to get the opportunity for a chance to compete. But there’s only one gold medal, and almost everyone who competes will exit the arena with their head held high and not so much as a bronze bouncing from their neck.
Here in America, we’re home to both the highest amount of total medals (2197), and the highest amount of gold (897). We’ve watched our heroes rise to glory: Mary Lou Retton, Mia Hamm, Flo Jo, Jessie Owens…
And we’ve watched them fall: Nancy Kerrigan, Greg Louganis, Ben Johnson...
When I was a kid, the ‘84 Olympics came to Los Angeles, daddy to the city where I live. My parents owned a photo mat at the time, and our house was spangled with Sam the Eagle stickers and assorted paraphernalia. Mary Lou Retton was the star, at least as far as I knew, and I remembered seeing her do a guest spot on Kids Incorporated. I don’t remember the episode exactly, but I’d bet what’s in my wallet that she managed to teach those children a thing or two about hard work and/or integrity.
And I may be rolling right down the mountain into dork meadow here, but I also think it’s pretty cool that the Olympics are falling on 08/08/08.
And thousands of Chinese agree.
They expect nuptials to be especially high on that date, because the Chinese consider the numbers to be lucky.
I’m not saying that you have to watch every event, or tip the tank of the Tivo, but the Olympics offer an awful lot to talk about, and us moms and dads should use the games as fodder for conversation over the next few weeks.
The olympics will be in London in 2012. Our daughter will be ten, and our son eight. Both of them will be old enough to make the trip and fully appreciate it. We’re exposing them now, and we’ll be there for sure.
Writer Dad
If you liked my words, please subscribe. I promise I’ll be back again tomorrow.
Have a great day.
Related posts:
- An Old Dream Come True Whenever Daisy and I reflect on life before children, there...
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Alex Fayle 08.05.08 at 6:40 am
Interesting viewpoint. I tend to be much more cynical about the Olympics, especially since they opened the games to non-amateur competitors so that pro hockey and basketball players could participate.
Also with all the calls about rigging the city selection, the number of problems host cities incur before and after (especially for the marginalized in society), and the doping during the games, the Olympics are just not something I choose to participate in by viewing.
Of course, for the individual athletes who do their best and who participate cleanly, I have total respect. It’s just too bad that there are people who will use whatever situation they can get involved in to create more power for themselves to the detriment of others.
(Off to start my bah-humbug Xmas campaign now… {grin})
Alex Fayles last blog post..What the Salmon Taught Me
carz blog 08.05.08 at 6:52 am
Olympic .. The best sport tournament around the world..
It will give people encourage to win..
I hope my country win some medal..
Lance 08.05.08 at 7:05 am
I find the Olympics to be a very honored event. It’s great to pull many nations together, focusing on the good of competition. I, too, like Alex stated, would like to see the events remain as amateur events, not pros competing so we can “win” the gold (i.e. basketball, etc.). That said, I have much respect for all the athletes competing, and who have given much of their life to excelling at their respective sport. Competing in the Olympics has to be such a wonderful experience for these athletes.
Last year we visited the Olympic training center in Colorado, and it was a powerful experience to actually just wander around, and be able to interact with some of the coaches who were there.
Alex Fayle 08.05.08 at 7:15 am
For a different take on the Olympics, check out the Rita’s Digest blog: http://bloggrrl.com/2008/08/05/my-employers-olympic-suggestion/
Alex Fayles last blog post..What the Salmon Taught Me
Sal 08.05.08 at 8:01 am
The olympics are a very cherrished time of year. I remember training at past olympic sites as a Junior Olympic Diver, and was actually slated to go to the 2004 Olympics for 10 meter platform. Unfortunately I got hurt at NCAA championships the year prior and never made a full comeback. My best friend got to go and he said it was amazing.
My daughter turns two on 08/08/08 and she just started gymnastics. I am sure that we will be tuning in and watching with feverish ambition as the USA goes for another gold medal. You can never instill the honor for competing for your country early enough, and the Olympics are the best opportunity to do that.
This was a great post and now I am all fired up (not a pun on the torch) to “let the games begin.” May the best man/woman win!
Sals last blog post..Morgan Freeman - Car accident
Writer Dad 08.05.08 at 8:38 am
Alex: Thank you for not only providing a different perspective, but for sending a link with a well reasoned thought to back it up. I did read it, and it is appreciated. I agree, the Olympics should only be open to amateurs. I agree, there is a lot of corruption inherent in many large organizations, the IOC is no exception. I agree, the treatment of the Tibetan monks is an atrocity. However, I also believe that there is something there to be celebrated, and I still maintain that there is a lot there to talk about. You can talk to your children about all the bad along with the good. The bottom line, for me anyway, is that there are millions of people, spanning the globe, tuning in to see a continuing tradition that started thousands of years ago. I can’t help but think that’s something to marvel at.
Carz Blog: I am glad you are excited.
Lance: I am sure the energy inside the training center is palpable.
Sal: Happy birthday to your daughter. Great numbers.
Bamboo Forest 08.05.08 at 8:42 am
I very much enjoy the Olympics. What amazes me is not so much the events themselves, but the thousands of hours of training that went into their preparation for only one event. We’re talking 4 years here.
That’s dedication. That’s sacrifice.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..What’s The True Value of Blog Comments?
Alex Fayle 08.05.08 at 8:47 am
@ Bamboo
That’s the thing that I marvel at - that despite all the negative stuff surrounding the Olympics that people dedicate their lives to reaching a goal. It is very inspiring.
Alex Fayles last blog post..What the Salmon Taught Me
Cici 08.05.08 at 10:55 am
To Alex,
This is exactly the kind of event that is suppose to invoke a human spirit of passion like the torch that is passed along the Olympic route to Beijing. a 6 month pregnant Chinese chess champion running the ray of light that brings us all together at the beginning and end of the day. One World One Dream what a great time in life when the best of the best come together from all languages, colors, races and gender to show the world their HEART OF GOLD, before the true competition with rules and regulations decides and adorns the deserving medal as to who is indeed the best of the best. How great for mankind.
8-8-08 at 8 p.m. a tradition that is tighter than rope will inspire everyone in the world except for cynics like yourself. Optimists feel this is NOT the platform to make a political statement. It is about respect for your nation, the pride, and the patriotism that makes us weep and cheer for the champions that chose to commit and be viewed by the entire world in the one of the greatest pieces of archtiecture Beijing’s Olympic Stadium…….. the bird nest sculpture. I feel so proud
Writerdad you rule!
Cici
Writer Dad 08.05.08 at 2:37 pm
Bamboo Forest: It is inspiring. Spending nearly every waking moment training for something without cease; it makes me feel as though I’m not working hard enough.
Alex: It seems as though you have a reasonable view that you are looking at from all sides. Well done.
Cici: Thank you for being my cheerleader. I don’t think that Alex is a cynic, he just believes that there are some inconsistencies and corruptions which render the event a bit more difficult to celebrate than it might be otherwise. But again, thank you for your enthusiasm.
brightboy 08.05.08 at 4:40 pm
Dear Everyone,
Isn’t the Olympics about the best athletes from around the world competing against each other in their respective sports? Where does the word amateur come into play there? Coming from an athlete’s perspective, were I to win at the Olympics knowing that some of my fiercest competition was not allowed to compete simply because they were being paid to play the sport we love, I would feel like a fraud and my medal would always lack a certain luster to me. Look at what has happened to men’s basketball on the international level since professionals were allowed to participate… the competition has actually gotten better. The world has stepped up and are now playing to the American’s level and no victory is guaranteed anymore. That’s what world-class athletes do. They rise to the occasion.
Dear Writer Dad,
I was young, but even I knew that cheater Ben Johnson was a filthy Canadian.
Also, America is pretty sweet, but I must say my favorite country has to be: USC
“If USC were a country, it would rank 12th in Gold Medal count and 19th in total Olympic Medals.”
You can read more about this great nation here:http://fullcourt.scout.com/a.z?s=427&p=2&c=767589
And finally…
Am I the only one who doesn’t feel sorry for Tibet? Is what China is doing that much worse than what the Khan’s did in the 1200’s. The Khan’s forcefully imposed their beloved Buddhism on them in the first place to pacify the people of the region. As my much brighter fiance pointed out, it’s only the 20th Century phenomenon known as “nationalism” that causes us all to view this as such an atrocity. They’ll force Communism on them and then in 700 years the Communist Tibetan monks will be whining about someone else trying to force some new ideology on them. Someone’s got to ask the tough questions.
Ellen Wilson 08.05.08 at 6:44 pm
I’m sorry Writer Dad, I don’t watch very much of the Olympics. I do enjoy the gymnasts.
8/8/98 is my ten year wedding anniversary! So that’s pretty auspicious.
You will enjoy London, it’s a great city.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Ellen Wilson in the News
Dereck 08.05.08 at 7:54 pm
Hi writer dad. Love the site, the content. Love it.
I found your site through friendfeed. I read about your rss problems. I want to help if you need it. I know it can be frustrating.
I didn’t see a contact form anywhere, so feel free to delete this because it’s off topic.
Dereck
Derecks last blog post..Traffic and income report - first 60 days (ish)
Al at 7P 08.05.08 at 9:20 pm
Agreed, Writer Dad. There’s something magical about having so many world-class athletes coming together to compete when it counts the most. There’s a lot of things that surround it that I don’t appreciate, but the competition itself is awesome.
Al at 7Ps last blog post..Do You Know What You Don’t Know?
Andy @ bloginyourface.com 08.05.08 at 9:33 pm
When I was a kid I can remember looking up to Dan and Dave the decathalon guys, and how hyped they were with Nike, Reebok and every other major corporation…
And then they both went and didn’t even qualify for the Olympics (if I remember right).
I just hope America isn’t hyping up Michael Phelps the way that we are just to have him totally choke and then everyone will think it is a sign of the Apocolypse.
Thanks for the great article.
Nards 08.05.08 at 9:51 pm
What a wonderful event for your children to look forward to. Let’s hope that they really appreciate the experience. It is a golden one - Nards
Nardss last blog post..Song of the day: Every Kinda People - Andy Fraser (sung by the late great Robert Palmer)
Barbara Swafford 08.05.08 at 11:48 pm
Hi Writer Dad,
I like how you’re already planning for 2012. Your children will be old enough to remember that. What fond memories they’ll have. You’ll have to share the story with us (see, I have you blogging 4 years from now, too)
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Interview With Lorelle VanFossen - Part 8 - The Future of Blogging
Writer Dad 08.06.08 at 8:01 am
Brightboy: I like your point about professional athletes. However, your argument about Tibet is flawed. If we can’t evolve from the dark ages of eight-hundred years ago, there’s a problem. We can globally acknowledge something in a way now that was impossible before. We do not need to be barbarians.
Ellen: That is auspicious. Happy Anniversary.
Dereck: Thank you for your compliment, and your help.
Al @ 7P: Perfectly stated.
Andy: You are very welcome. Thank you for reading.
Nards: If I don’t think they’ll appreciate it, we will not be going.
Barbara Swafford: I imagine that yes, I will still be blogging four years from now. Thank you for your confidence.
Rita 08.07.08 at 5:04 pm
Given that I have already posted on my take on the Olympics, I just wish to ask you a few questions. When you and your children are enjoying the world class athletics at the Olympics, will you take the time to explain to them which countries “force” children into a life of servitude in order to “bring home the Gold?”
That they are taken away from their families at a young age for the sole purpose of “training,” often to the point of body deformities and lack of menses in girls - and worse?
That they miss their entire childhoods for the sake of being “programmed” to be the best, often at the sacrifice of playing with other children - and their educations?
That if they do NOT bring home a medal, they have trouble fitting into society - and are lucky to find jobs as coaches - if at all?
This, to me, is NOT athletics. It is programming a human being to be a technological winner. The humanity and joy of the “games” is gone. It’s either “bring home a medal. or you have let your country down.”
And will you teach them the most important aspect of the Olympics -that like a Broadway show, “the show MUST go on” - even if nearly an entire country’s team is murdered in their dorms?
I certainly do hope that your childrn DO get to see the Opympics. I’ve been there, and the mini-country created for the games is more fun - and more expensive - than Disney World.
I just hope that you give them some good explanations as to why certain countries are known for “excelling” at their sports!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Rita’s a Racist (or, if you Prefer, Bloggrrl’s a Bigot)
Writer Dad 08.07.08 at 6:18 pm
Rita,
There isn’t a single subject I would feel uncomfortable discussing with my children, providing that it’s age appropriate. There will be more than enough time to dump on the Olympics in the future, but that is simply not where I am right now.
There probably aren’t too many negative things that could be said about the Olympics that I would disagree with, but there are also plenty of things celebrate as well. With my children, six and four, and a pre-school filled with toddlers, I have plenty of things to observe without putting human cruelty on the table. Those are not the images I need to place in their heads; it simply isn’t necessary.
History is a passion of mine, and I look forward to peering into the darkest shadows of the past with my children, but first I will show them the well lit arenas, because that is how they learn best.
Daisy and I are as straight as an arrow when it comes to being honest with our children. When they ask questions, which we strongly encourage, they get honest answers, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t employ an effective filter.
Our country has a lot of problems, and has been responsible for some truly terrible things. However, it has also been home to some of the grandest ideals ever given voice. Right now, we are teaching our children to love their country and all the things it stands for. That way, when they are older, their foundation will be strong enough to support the weight of the difficult questions we expect them to ask.
Munich was a dark day for the world, but my daughter does NOT need to imagine it as she’s laying her head on her pillow.
Dereck 08.07.08 at 6:27 pm
@ Writer Dad - I think you’ve replied to Rita in a more eloquent way than I believed, previously, was even imaginable.
I think that at least one concentrated rough patch that people scuff on while walking exists because of a tendency to follow absolutes.
But if we did that, life would lose most joy, because almost all good things in life are tainted somewhere, somehow.
But we should all be granted the privileges that come from shining light on the good things this earth has to offer. Even if, just outside of that cone of light, sits something bad.
Derecks last blog post..[Breaking News]: Scientists Find Link Between Atheism, Sense of Urgency
Rita 08.07.08 at 6:48 pm
Writer Dad,
Thank you! Believe it or not, I am thilled with your answer. As a parent, we need to share the joys of life with our children, and show them the beauty of the world around them
To hear that you will eventually - and at an age-appropriate time - teach your children that there are often “two sides to most stories” is inspirational to me. I agree - there is no reason to give a small cild nightmares, or remove their innocence too early.
Just to know that you will keep honest communications with your children as they grow, emphasizes the “Dad” in writer “Dad.” The way you explained yourself so eloquently certainly reveals the “Writer” part.
You are a credit to your “blog name” and the blogoshpere as a whole. In addition, I think that you and your wife sound like terrific, open-minded parents who understand that information needs to be parceled-out at the appropriate age for a child to understand - so that they can make informed - and intelligent decisions.
More power to you!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Rita’s a Racist (or, if you Prefer, Bloggrrl’s a Bigot)
Writer Dad 08.07.08 at 8:03 pm
Dereck: Few things in life are absolute. What you should be doing with your time is certainly not one of them. The only exception is spending time with your children; that’s an absolute.
Rita: Thank you Rita, very much.
“Just to know that you will keep honest communications with your children as they grow, emphasizes the “Dad” in writer “Dad.” The way you explained yourself so eloquently certainly reveals the “Writer” part.”
That’s the finest compliment from someone I’m not married to I’ve had all day. Thanks again, I enjoyed our exchange.