The Olympics are fascinating to watch. The concentration in the participants’ eyes.
They come to win. They come to do their best. You can see it at each event start.
The events are thrilling but it is the end that is so wonderful to see. There can be only one gold per event.
As the winner crosses the finish line and the others follow, or when the winner is identified, the competitive focus on their faces lift. Instead, it is followed by congratulations, hugs and genuine comradery.
These athletes often train together and become friends. It doesn’t take away their competitiveness in any way, but they have respect for each other’s abilities.
When the participant is the sole entry from a small country, it is stirring to watch. These athletes must usually leave home to access training in larger countries, often provided through the Olympic committee to level the playing field.
They are unwavering in their belief in themselves and in the goals they have.
This focus and dedication to the love of their sport is as much of an inspiration as watching the events themselves. It is truly what dreams are made from.
Many of us can use a little of the dedication that the Olympic athletes show.
Whatever our own goals are and what we dream for our own lives, we can take a page from the Olympics and focus on what we want for ourselves.