Olympics

I love the Olympics.  And now, for the first time ever, I can say that I actually KNOW an Olympian!  I am so excited to watch the Olympics this year where I will be cheering not only for the USA, but also for Maggie Barrie, a WKHS alumni.  (Maggie's younger sister, Julie, is currently a student at WKHS.)  Maggie will be competing as a representative of Sierra Leone.  They march in 79th tonight and for those of you who didn't watch it this morning when it was happening live, Maggie does get a shout out when they are marching in even though you don't get to see her.

I love sports so perhaps that is part of why I love the Olympics so much, but to me, it is bigger than just the sporting events.  It is the accomplishment of working for years to simply have the opportunity to represent your country.  It is the uniting together as a country and as a world to celebrate the dedication and drive of never giving up on your dream.  While of course all 11,000 athletes would love to earn a medal, most are focused less on that recognition and more on being a part of an experience that is bigger than them.  The Olympic Creed says, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have have conquered, but to have fought well."  What a powerful statement that carries over from the Olympics to life.

Throughout the Olympics there will be inspiring stories of triumph, heart-breaking stories of defeat, and many incredibly exciting moments to watch.  And as I think about the time, energy, effort, hard work, perseverance, and passion that each athlete must demonstrate to reach this one goal of qualifying for the Olympics. Although most of us will never be an Olympian (and yet Maggie is a reminder that perhaps you will be), you will face moments in your life where you are looking forward to a goal and will have a choice of how to respond.  I hope the Olympians help inspire you to find the strength and courage within yourself to believe in your dreams and to chase them with unwavering focus.