There is something rather raw and pure about the Olympics. I mean, sure, there has been scandal among the organizers, but at this point, I expect scandal within every large organization out there. NCAA? Fifa? Olympics? Scandal!
No, I mean something more basic. The Opening Ceremony we saw tonight, like the one in China 4 years ago, or the one 2 years ago in Vancouver, is all about pride, and it’s all about national pride. Everyone is just pleased with their country, their homeland, their history and the show they put on for the world. And the athletes that make their way through the games, it’s very clear that the honor in being a part of the ceremony and the Games is overwhelming for even the proudest of athletes. It’s really something if someone like Lebron James is humbled by the proceedings.
As for purity, I mean purity of competition. Basketball is apt to be dominated by the United States, because it’s an American game. Same with baseball or softball. Soccer will never be won by the United States because the game isn’t as popular here. But you know what? Everyone knows how to run. There are a lot of people that know how to swim. Lifting heavy stuff is a pretty basic idea. Finding the fastest or strongest is a relatively easy exercise, when you think about it, and every person in the world starts with a level playing field. Everyone runs. Everyone jumps. Everyone can lift. It’s the most pure athletic display in the world.
I love it. Good luck to all the athletes. Put on a good show.
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