The swimming competitions have been thrilling. I have cheered for my countrymen, of course. Men and ladies have bagged a lot of medals. Phelps is a wonder. I thought back to the days when I was thrilled by Mark Spitz as he swam his way to glory. Phelps has eclipsed his accomplishments. The gentleman from France, Agnel, (hope I spelled that right) had a thrilling effort when he overhauled everyone and won the Gold, several days ago. I was on the edge of my seat. And the young lady from America, Missy Franklin, charmed everyone with her excitement and ability.
I was amused when I read, early in the games, that Lochte had 'failed' in a particular race. These kids haven't failed. Anyone who has made it to the Olympics is a champion. In fact, anyone who competes in sport is a winner. The essence of sport, we forget, is about exercise, good fellowship, fun and competition. I hate the modern notion of "you've failed because you weren't the best". In the NFL, for instance, you have 32 teams. You may go all the way to the Super Bowl and be labeled a failure for losing the game. The Buffalo Bills went several times and didn't win it. Did that make them failures? Ridiculous.
As far as I am concerned, all these kids deserve the Gold Medal. What a thrill to watch thousands rise to their feet in the final few meters of a race. The place is going crazy! Great fun.
The ideal of the medals is also interesting. These temporal things are just a physical manifestation of something more important. The idea of a reward for hard work, dedication and maximum effort, being rewarded, or not, much like in life itself. In life, you may do all these things and not achieve great success, although they are certainly all great attributes to a personality and a life. The change on the inside is more important than possible commercials and endorsement deals. Hard work produces perseverance and perseverance produces character. These youngsters are all winners.
I hate that the games have been marred by controversy, but anytime enough people get together there will be problems. The badminton issues, with athletes 'throwing games' to get a more favorable match later. A coach being chastised by his own government. Judging issues that crush hopes; whether the judges were right or wrong, I can't say. I do remember, many decades ago, when judging was very political, East Versus West sort of problems, that detracted from any event that was not like a simple test of speed in a race, for example. I also remember the time when America's athletes, who had worked so hard, for so long, were forced to stay home and not play in Moscow, because of political issues. That is not what the Games are about. Let's leave the politics at the door, like the baggage it is.
All in all, it has been a great Olympics and London has put on a show. My congratulations to them.
One final note. I saw on Google News this morning where the double amputee from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius had qualified to race in the semi-finals of his event. It brings tears to my eyes to see someone who is looking for a way, not for an excuse. This guy was a champion before he set foot on British soil. He embodies what is great and sweet about sports and life. I salute him, and the Olympic Games. Good day.
Wiping the tears off my keyboard as I think about this guy, I am CE Wills.
P.S. Congratulations to Miss Williams for her Gold Medal in tennis.
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