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Oak Grove, MO —
Every four years the world has the opportunity to come together positively as the Olympics unfold. The opening ceremonies in London clearly illustrated the good found in sports.
It’s unique for Americans because we get to view all sports, not just the big time sports promoted by our country like baseball and football.
I am grateful that as an athletic director I was able to watch and appreciate a wide variety of sports. I totally understand the level of dedication and hard work that goes into sports like volleyball, swimming and track. These athletes are willing to make huge sacrifices in their lives in order to represent their country at the Games.
These athletes are rarely covered by the media in other venues, so this is a chance for them to to have worldwide recognition of their accomplishments.
Two words that best describe the Olympic experience are pride and competitiveness. Pride, as described by Olympic wrestling gold medalist Dan Gable: “More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill; none have wrestled without pride.”
And of course, competition is ever present. Competition brings out the best in everyone. It is THE driving force for every single Olympic contender. Al Oerter, who was a four-time gold medal winner in the discus throw, said, “So what if I never win my fifth gold medal. It’s only one end of the string. It’s competing that matters. It’s proving that there is a place for guys like me in sports. It’s a personal challenge to extend myself.”
The Olympics redefine pride and competition – they open the door for all of us to enjoy the best side of mankind.
• The U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic basketball teams have so many athletes that are interchangeable. They are TOUGH.
• United States swimming remains a consistent world power in the Olympics. It has become as strong as track and field.
• The Chiefs have more quality depth than they have had in a decade.
• My quote of the week is from the late U.S. Olympic hockey gold medal coach Herb Brooks: “You’re not going to succeed by just doing what is required, it’s going to be the little extra. Working five days a week, you’re not going to get it done. I mean you’ll have a nice job, be somewhat comfortable; but to get the real peace of mind, maybe you need to work that sixth day or even the seventh.”
Every four years the world has the opportunity to come together positively as the Olympics unfold. The opening ceremonies in London clearly illustrated the good found in sports.
It’s unique for Americans because we get to view all sports, not just the big time sports promoted by our country like baseball and football.
I am grateful that as an athletic director I was able to watch and appreciate a wide variety of sports. I totally understand the level of dedication and hard work that goes into sports like volleyball, swimming and track. These athletes are willing to make huge sacrifices in their lives in order to represent their country at the Games.
These athletes are rarely covered by the media in other venues, so this is a chance for them to to have worldwide recognition of their accomplishments.
Two words that best describe the Olympic experience are pride and competitiveness. Pride, as described by Olympic wrestling gold medalist Dan Gable: “More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill; none have wrestled without pride.”
And of course, competition is ever present. Competition brings out the best in everyone. It is THE driving force for every single Olympic contender. Al Oerter, who was a four-time gold medal winner in the discus throw, said, “So what if I never win my fifth gold medal. It’s only one end of the string. It’s competing that matters. It’s proving that there is a place for guys like me in sports. It’s a personal challenge to extend myself.”
The Olympics redefine pride and competition – they open the door for all of us to enjoy the best side of mankind.
• The U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic basketball teams have so many athletes that are interchangeable. They are TOUGH.
• United States swimming remains a consistent world power in the Olympics. It has become as strong as track and field.
• The Chiefs have more quality depth than they have had in a decade.
• My quote of the week is from the late U.S. Olympic hockey gold medal coach Herb Brooks: “You’re not going to succeed by just doing what is required, it’s going to be the little extra. Working five days a week, you’re not going to get it done. I mean you’ll have a nice job, be somewhat comfortable; but to get the real peace of mind, maybe you need to work that sixth day or even the seventh.”
