Most of us will never compete in the Olympic Games. But we’re inspired by a new story every day. What is it that’s so mesmerizing? Well, the winter games, in particular, take a level of nerve the average Joe just doesn’t have. Who sails down a mountain on solid ice at 90 miles an hour or jumps 144 meters through the air on a pair of skis? That stuff is just beyond most people's imagination.
Even so, there’s something about the games that speaks to everyone. We all hope to have the kind of courage it takes to go for what we want, the discipline not to give up, and the wisdom to be thrilled with a great performance.
The Republic of Georgia lost one of their lugers before the games even began—a young man who refused to take the track at a slower speed, even though he was afraid of it. He had come to compete, and he did it completely without looking back.
In women’s moguls Shannon Bahrke took the Bronze. At age 29, this is her final season (after she competes in the World Cup), and she said she sees this medal as the perfect way to end her run. All smiles and celebration, Bahrke stood on the podium with her teammate who had taken the gold, and sang every word of the national anthem.
As we watch these Olympics, we see hero after hero make a great performance. And we see some come away with disappointments. Some are composed; others break down.
What the rest of us can find out about ourselves is this: if we have the courage to do what we know will take us where we want to go, the drive to give it our best, and the poise to recognize in ourselves a job well done.
Sometimes getting the prize takes an action that goes against our instincts. But there’s no other way to come out on top. And one other little perk us average Joes get: we don’t have to wait four years to fix mistakes and go for the next victory.
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