True Olympic Spirit
February 16, 2010 at 11:00 pm (Fight the Good Fight, Jumbled Jabbering)
Tags: olympics
Yesterday, our school had the privilege of having a guest speak to students about her experience as an Olympic athlete, and she exemplifies the true spirit that seems to be lacking in this year’s Olympic Games so far. Lucy Steele, the first Yukon athlete to compete in Olympic Games, participated as a cross-country skier in 1992. Of course, one of the questions that students asked was, “Did you win a medal?”
So she answers, “No, but how many athletes do you think participated in my category?”
The answer? About 90. “And how many medals are given?”
“Three,” many students answer.
She pulls out a medal and says, “I didn’t win one of those three, but this medal is one that is given to all Olympic athletes for participating in the Olympics. We become part of a big family, and in my case, I did win in a way, because I beat my own international record. I was also the first woman from here to participate in the Olympics.” (So far, only three Yukonners are Olympians.)
I may not have gotten all the details straight, but that was the gist of it. Lucy Steele truly embodies the true spirit of the Games. This was refreshing considering that twice, so far, I have heard in the news how a Canadian athlete “just” got the silver. I’m tired of this lack of appreciation not only from the media, but from some of the athletes themselves.
It’s not just a silver people! I wonder what percentage of the world population Olympic athletes represent. What a privilege it is, indeed, just to participate!
Thank you, Lucy.
Fawn said,
February 17, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I always think it’s odd when I hear on the media, “We can’t just focus on ‘personal best’. Canadians need to try harder!” And I think, “How in heck does someone do better than their personal best??? Hello???!!
Lucy’s awesome! I first met her in a French class, then found out she lives in my neighbourhood. And then I wondered why I saw her in a clip of an orientation video shown at the Canada Winter Games. LOL
Carole said,
February 21, 2010 at 10:21 am
Good point Fawn!
Other comments heard recently?
…”settled for a silver.”
…”failed to medal.”
We sure know how to encourage our athletes.
Baino said,
February 23, 2010 at 11:04 pm
I just can’t get into it this time around. I think because our coverage is so biased towards the top medallists and Australians! Can you believe it? We have a team of 40 and they just seem to focus on them! I like your point though, it’s no mean feat to be included, especially in the winter games since we have about 2 months of very average snow here! Enjoy the rest of the coverage and I hope it’s better than ours!
moon said,
March 8, 2010 at 2:31 am
Thats a great point, the Slovaks here got to 4th in the Hockey, and amazing achievement, beating the Russians and current (at the time) Olympic champions, Sweden on the way. Sadly they just fell short of beating the mighty Canadians, and lost out on a bronze … some people were so upset they labeled them loser .. WTF !!!.. they are a nation of 5 mil, currently 11th in the world rankings.. to get so close.. and AMAZING achievement, like so many other athletes… you are an Olympian .. how fantastic is that !!.. I would have the 5 rings tattoo’d on my arm in an instant …
‘just’ a Silver… well, go get one yourself then dickhead, see how easy it is ….