The modern Olympics games were held in 1896 in Athens,
Greece. At that time it was the largest
sporting event to date. 14 nations sent
241 athletes to participate which did not include women.
The 2012 London Games had 193 nations and 11 territories
participating, sending 10,860 athletes.
This year each nation participating sent at least one woman to
compete. In the United States, women
won 52% of our gold medals. The growth
of the games as well as its ethnic and gender diversity is astonishing.
While I can appreciate the competition and enjoy watching a
spirited contest, it is the stories of the obstacles facing the athletes and
their character which impresses me most.
My list of the most notable stories includes:
Michael Phelps: The
four additional gold medals with the two silver makes him the most decorated
Olympian of all time with 18 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
Missy Franklin: The
high school swimmer from Colorado who refused to move to stay at her school and
continue to work with her coach. She
refused to sign with any sponsors in order to remain eligible to swim for her
high school.
Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings – 3 time Olympic
champions at the age of 35 and 34, considered the greatest beach volleyball
team of all time. In the last three Olympics
they lost 1 set.
Kayla Harrison: First
American to win gold in Judo.
Oscar Pistorius:
South African sprinter who is also the first double amputee to compete
in the Olympics.
There are numerous other stories of athletes from all over the
world who overcame adversity in order to reach their potential. Their stories are inspiring to all of us who continue
to strive to meet capabilities.
Did you watch the Olympics?
If you did not, why? If so, what
did you watch and why? If you could compete
in any event, what would it be and why?
