There is something about the Olympics that gets even the least sports-minded couch potato involved and interested in the medaling at the Olympic games. The world gets hooked on the Olympics with the Grand Opening Events and follow every event even though we ourselves are likely to never compete, never participate, and never make any effort to be an athlete.
In the winter games, even Floridians who have never left the sunshine state will talk giant slalom, ice skating, and the luge with the prowess of an expert. In the summer, people who have never lept a hurdle or sprinted through a tape will hold their breath, make the jump, the leap, or stroke and kick for the medal from the comfort of their sofa.
The 2008 Olympics have given Americans someone to be proud of: Michael Phelps, an amazing swimmer who was born to the water. We want to check his fingers and toes for webbing, but don't care either way because with eight medals (at this writing) he is that good, that great, that incredible.
In Phelps' shadow, just a bit, is the story of Dara Torres, not quite the fish that Phelps is, but an amazing athlete in her own right. At 41, Torres is the ancient lady of swimming, the oldest U.S. swimmer in Olympic history and old enough to be the mother of some of the swimmers that she is competing against. Torres sat out the 1996 and 2004 Olympics, and Beijing is her 5th. Olymplics. She has won 10 Olympic medals, none of them individual golds.
Torres has done two things for Americans by participating in these Olympics. She has shown the world that Americans are some of the most generous spirited people in the world, and she has shown Americans that age does not matter.
Dara Torres arguably is the poster athlete for sportsmanship. Torres delayed the start of the 50m race because a competitor in the same race had a "swimsuit malfunction". Torres stated to a reporter that she originally tried to help Swedish athlete Therese Alshammar secure the strap to her suit as they were walking in to the pool area for the event. Upon seeing Alshammar rush back to the locker room to change suits, Torres approached an official to delay the race, and attempted to settle down other competitors who wanted to start without Alshammar.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0816_HD_SWB_AU_L1686
When asked by a reporter why she stopped the race, Torres commented, "In the pool they're my competitors, but out of the pool they're my friends."
That's the epitome of sportsmanship, and should be a reminder to all of us that even though we may be competitive in life, in the business world, or on the golf course, we don't need to be cut throat. Besides, if we are as good as we say we are, we don't need to be, and Torres is better than she says she is. She is that good.
Additionally, Torres has confirmed, reminded and restored the world's faith in Americans. As a foreigner in America, I can say with conviction that these Americans are a unique people. For the most part they are a generous people, friendly, caring and willing to lend a hand and help someone out. In spite of what others may say, Americans do what they do and step in when they need to because they value their freedom, have national pride, and when the chips are down they will band together and stand united with anyone who asks.
Another thing I like about Dara Torres is that she is reminding people of all age groups, young and old and those somewhere in between, that age really is just a number and a state of mind. As a woman who feels and thinks 28 when her birth certificate clearly states otherwise, I can confirm to you that if you think you are old, you are. I observe it in people every day.
When asked about her age, and if she has broken any rules for older athletes, Torres stated, "Hopefully I rewrote the rules for anyone who wants to do something and think, they are too old to do it."
The Olympics are meant to bring us together, the best of the best, the best of our countries, in a series of sportsmanlike events. While medals are given out, differences are meant to be put away. The better part of valor, of grace, of personal integrity. Torres personifies the Olympic ideal and the ideal character of an American.
That's my take on today's Olympic news. I welcome yours.
Deb, what a great post and an uplifting tone as well. Makes it easier for me to accomplish my goals when I don't have to compete with anyone other than myself.
Thanks, Mark. I can always count on you to find the positive and act on it. You are a great American and a fine example of a true and dedicated professional in an industry that is often thought of as lacking character. Every day YOU and others like you, Mark, are doing the right thing even when no one is looking. I applaud your commitment to your craft and your industry.
Still enjoying your blogs. Keep 'em coming!
Deborah- I think Torres is a star! What she did was true American!
And Phelps is the most amazing swimmer ever! He is so gracious and humble. I am so proud to be an American!
I watched Bob Costas interview Phelps with his coach and Rowdy Gaines there. Phelps was providing his own analysis of some of his races. What a precious young man, so in tune with himself, his competitors, and everyone and everything around him.
Deb, I love the olympics. I have watched in awe as a small child. The athletes inspire me to reach beyond myself to achieve whatever I want. I have an ingrained dis-like for mediocroty. I admire those who strive to leave their mark and attain the unattainable. When everyone else says, "You can't do that! Who do you think you are? You're no one special."
And they would be correct. We all are no one special. It is what we achieve that makes us "special." We can either live day to day, just getting through, or we can make our lives The Great Adventure no matter what we do for a living. And by the way, most other people don't want you to "Go for it." When you do that you set the bar higher.
Nestor & Katarina:
She IS a star and a fine American. She has set a moral compass for her family, and clearly for young athletes across the globe. Many professional athletes get caught up in themselves and run amok acting like fools. Athletes such as Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, Warrick Dunn, and Peyton Manning model professionalism, integrity, character, and commitment to children.
Deb I love watching the gymnastics competitions. Wow what a bunch of great athletes we have in the USA. Nastia and Shawn winning the gold and silver, never before done. That was the highlight of the evening for me.
I am really going to miss these games when they are over. Thank GOODNESS for college football!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo NOLES! (And all of my other teams I follow as well, University of Tennessee, Geaorgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Texas A & M, U Texas, . . . )
Can't wait for the winter Olympics now!!
Deborah,
Great post that underscores the spirit of the Olympics and the importance of a healthy self-image.
Steve
Thanks, Steve, We need to focus on putting others first and selves last. If each of us tried it for one day, and then another, and another . . . it would not only become a habit, but imagine the impact if everyone was treated as thought they mattered.
Imagine.