The Olympics

The Olympics.


They only last 17 days every two years. But those are inarguably the most miraculous days of that time.

The Olympics are a time where dreams are lived, and others extinguished. It is a time when the world's best athletes leave their cities, towns, villages. They travel far from their apartments, suburban townhouses, farms, igloos and huts, to a common destination to pursue a common dream. They already stand as the world's best, as part of the Olympics, but it is there, at the Games that they strive to become the best of the best, the world's absolute elite.

But there is more to this event than simple athletic competition. It is known for this fierce competition and the battle to reign as world champion, yes. But it is also known as a time of unification, of compassion and goodwill. Bitterness and mistrust divides humanity at the invisible borders drawn by the longitudinal and latitudinal grid of a map, but somehow the enigmatic atmosphere of this occasion deletes those walls. Humanity is one.

This is in no way displayed better than at the opening ceremony. The people from all walks of life stride into the stadium, and each of them is cheered. Not one is booed. All are welcomed. And the tensions between nations are released, the guns are lowered, and the fists are eased. And they walk together, across the same ground, to the center of the same stadium, in the same city, the same country, the same exact spot on Earth. It is awe-inspiring. It brings tears to my eyes to see citizens of two hundred and four nations from across the globe standing side-by-side, together. The clothes they wear are different, the flags vary in color. But they flow in the same breeze, and from afar, they are one.

Comité International Olympique President Jacques Rogge stated at this opening ceremony to the people of Beijing, "You have chosen the slogan 'one world, one dream.' Tonight, we are one world." And he is right.

At no other time and in no other place is this possible. These games bring out the best in the human race, and after watching nine Olympics, I still find it unbelievable.

You should watch them.

Listening to the Olympic Theme, I can't help but see images of past Olympics in my head, screaming fans, slow motion cuts of Michael Johnson extending every ounce of energy through him to win the 100M, of Picabo Street destroying the mogul hill, knees folding at every turn. The excruciating pain of training, the indescribable flood of triumph, the devastating weight of defeat. I remember those moments of the past. It makes me want to dust off my track cleats and do what they have done, but I know I have no chance. I could at least sit there in the blocks and experience that familiar feeling of adrenaline overcoming every pound of muscle, the same feeling these high-caliber athletes feel before their shot. They are primed, loaded and cocked, ready to fire for gold.

Most won't win. Eighty-seven of those two hundred and four nations have never brought back a medal. There can only be one gold, one silver, and one bronze. But what matters is that they have participated in something greater than their individual achievements, the bringing together of the human race. They, collectively, have achieved what no government, organization, treaty, or negotiation ever will. They have achieved peace.

For this year's games, there will be problems. People will protest China's destruction of the environment, their relentless harassment of Tibet, of Taiwan (yes it IS called Taiwan, dammit,) and of their own people. The Russians invaded Georgia during the opening ceremony, killing hundreds of people. The fuckers. But the focus should remain on the fact that at least there, in Beijing, peace has been reached.

Adding to that, I must say that the Chinese did a damn good job with the opening ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics, the entire production was well-done. And the fireworks...if you ever need a fireworks show, go to the Chinese. They invented them. Very nice.

So here goes another Olympic Games...the Summer Games of 8/8/08! GO TEAM U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



"That was spectacular. Tonight, the world was able to join in a magnificent tribute to the athletes and the Olympic spirit. It was an unforgettable and moving ceremony that celebrated the imagination, originality and energy of the Beijing Games."
-Jacques Rogge, President, IOC

Current Mood: Optimistic

Listening To: "Olympic Theme & Fanfare" by John Williams