Olympic Games: Risk takers look great in mud and gold in equal measure.

2016 Olympic gold medal

As the world watches the Olympics, it occurs to me how great a risk these athletes are taking. We've already seen incredible feats of daring, and shocking disasters. I'm sure people ask, "Why take the risk?" Think about this, only three people win ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Everyone else loses, to varying degrees. That's a pretty crushing prospect. So, why even try, since the vast majority fail?

Because somebody will most certainly win!

 

If I'm racing, then I fully expect it'll be me. How about you?

 

So, the better question is, "Why compete at all, if you expect to lose?" It's likely that no athlete in the Olympic Games ever expected to fail, but rather expected to stand in 1st place. These are champions, each and every one, and champions demand the very best of themselves. They see themselves as absolute victors before the race ever begins. I think that's what makes watching the Olympics so exciting. We don't often see a field of champions arranged to fight for a single goal. Usually, there are a handful of champions and the rest are just playing. Champions inspire. Champions strive. Champions accomplish.

 

Yes, champions fail. Yet, failure does not define a champion. If anything, the definition of a champion is the willingness to slog through a field of mud for the opportunity to try. I'm in awe of these Olympic athletes! The sacrifices they've made, for literally years, just for a few seconds of actual competition is almost beyond belief. Courage, determination, sacrifice, pain and glory. Champions risk for the opportunity to try and catch hold of the trophy. How can anyone look on them an not wonder if we have the heart to do the same?

 

- M