Gold Medal Life Lessons

Watching and Learning

​With Mike off sailing, and Javi not feeling himself, I’ve had some unusual days. 


Still lots of biking around between yoga classes, but more time in front of my laptop and the t.v., nestled in with my puppy. 


Thank goodness for the Olympics! Turns out, keeping Peacock as one of our few channels has paid dividends. ​

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“The times are urgent.
Let’s slow down.”
~ Báyò Akómoláfé

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Paris 2024
Bringing back the Magic 
​
Hello!

Growing up, I LOVED the Summer Olympics. The pageantry. The uniforms. The sweeping theme music. The empowerment visible on every single athlete’s face as they paraded in. The tears on the podium as the national anthem played. Yes, there were moments of defeat, but what about those who were triumphant?! 

I could get swept away by almost any sport, as long as there was a good narrative to go along with the action. 

In 1996, I even had the privilege of seeing some of the Atlanta Olympic events in person: track and field, water polo, and of course, diving. It was epic. 

Somewhere along the line though, I quit watching. Sure, I was busy. True, I was no longer connected to the athletes in the pool. Maybe it got more complicated to figure out how to watch? I definitely was more aware of some of the problems and scandals around the Olympic Games. 

Regardless, for me? I was no longer feeling the magic.

Until this year! I am once again loving watching these Games. 
Makes me curious about what I’ve been missing and why I walked away?  

But that doesn’t really matter. I’m here now, and I am here for it all 

What incredible moments we are witnessing! 
Day after day, night after night, I am once again dazzled. 

Of course, I’m only seeing a smattering of what’s taking place, because I really do have to get off my couch and accomplish a few other things . . . but these Games have been amazing! 

Let’s start with the fact that this is the FIRST EVER Olympic Games with full gender parity. That’s right. In 2024, we finally have an equal number of female and male athletes participating. This is HUGE! However, it doesn’t mean we’ve achieved gender equality in Olympic sports (or any other level of athletics). We have a long ways to go in terms of female representation in leadership positions and coaching positions, let alone equity with facilities and training, etc. 

But, let’s talk about some of those female athletes. No, I don’t want to talk about their uniforms, or their hair, or their body shape or size. or any of those other seemingly tantalizing talking points. I want to talk about their BadAssery!  

One recent example of that received lots of attention. Rebeca Andrade (Gold, Brazil), Simone Biles (Silver, US) and Jordan Chiles (Bronze, US) on the podium for individual floor. First, let’s celebrate that this is an all black podium . . . for a gymnastics event. Then, let’s look at what happened. As some were squawking about the mistakes Simone had made landing her the silver, Simone and Jordan were literally bowing to Rebeca on the Gold Medal stand. Now that’s badass. 

A second example that didn’t go as viral? The New Zealand Women’s Rugby Team performing the Haka after winning gold. If you missed it, you can watch it here. It will only take two minutes. You’re welcome. 

There are countless stories surrounding these Olympics that are inspiring me, melting me, challenging me, making me angry, and so much more. That’s what’s incredible about sport. Sports encompasses every part of our humanity, and it’s gorgeous to watch. What the human body can do is gobsmacking. 

Watching these Games has re-ignited the magic for me. This time, I see some of the flaws, the inequities, the injustices all along the way. But, I am once again allowing myself to be dazzled. Reconnecting to this child-like joy feels fantastic.

Okay, gotta sign off. There’s US Women’s Soccer to watch. 

Cheers to ALL of humanity! 

~m