With the 2010 Winter Games less than two weeks away, the anticipation of the sporting drama that will unfold is encircling the globe. The Olympic spirit is a phenomenon that is unparalleled by any other elite sporting event in the world. The best of the world’s best all gathered in one place to compete, yet united by a passion and a drive that begins not on the world stage, but in a very still, quiet place deep inside one’s self.
For these, there is a philosophy of life, a guiding principle that causes them to behave in a certain way.
Perhaps the actual Olympic event is the end of a long journey of sacrifice, inner strength and a sometimes painful perfecting of a particular sport. We, as spectators, are fortunate enough to be able to take a seat and watch this journey’s final performance. It’s the final scene of a long, meticulously planned and practiced series of rehearsals.
Finally when the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Vancouver on Feb. 12, it will be opening night for all who will participate in the 2010 Winter Games.
What is it that drives these athletes to be the best? We all have codes we live by, philosophies in life, but what is it that drives certain people to such an elite level? United States Olympic Gold Medallist and NBC Olympic Correspondent Joe Jacobi said, “When I was training, I had different mottos for different periods of my career. One constant one was, ‘Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.'”
The Olympic motto, Citius – Altius – Fortius, Latin for Faster – Higher – Stronger, directly correlates with the Olympic Creed: “The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.” The words of wisdom that make up the Olympic Creed define a greater truth that goes beyond sport, with the potential to reach into every aspect of life. After recognizing the transcendent value of these words, we all – athletes and non-athletes alike – have a chance to experience the ideals that define the Olympic spirit everyday in our own lives. Perhaps the drive for these elite comes from recognizing and taking the action to live by the truth that, in the fight, is where character and strength are built. All along the journey is where the triumphant moments occur, not at the end, in the winning or the losing.
Having worked for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in 1996, I have experienced the Olympic spirit –the “can do” attitude for myself. After weeks of research, a series of phone calls and a relentless attitude, I was on the road to one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. At that time, my motto was Carpe Diem, Latin for Seize the Day. With two young children, my motto these days is Today is a New Day as I’m constantly striving to be a better parent. Wherever you are along your journey, what is your motto? What is your philosophy?
The motto for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver is “With Glowing Hearts” signifying performance, pride and outstanding achievement among the athletes and the contributions from volunteers. At a time when the world is preparing to come together for the Winter Olympics, the world has also come together to attempt to provide relief to the Republic of Haiti after the horrific earthquake that killed thousands of people. It is during just such a time that we are reminded just how significant our own philosophy of life is and that “the most important thing in life is not the triumph.” Haiti’s motto is L’Union Fait La Force meaning Union Makes Strength. So as the world gathers together in less than two weeks for competition, we will also be mindful of the need for global strength and unification in this time of need. Olympic Gold Medallist Jacobi also states that, “Today, I still use many mottos, but one I come back to a lot is, ‘It’s not about what happens – but choosing your response to what happens’.”
Whatever your philosophy or code of conduct for your life, we can learn from the athletes, volunteers and the entire movement of the Olympic Games. In your life and in your own journey: Citius – Altius – Fortius. Faster. Higher. Stronger. Do it everyday, all along the journey. When that day does come and it’s time for you to perform, you will know you have done your best all along the way and that “the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”
Holly Abernathy
holly.abernathy@yahoo.com