I am aware that there is a lot of unnecessary hype and buildup and commercialism Surrounding the Olympics and I can understand why a lot of people become tired of them before they've even begun. But really, the Olympics are quite awe-inspiring. Just... think about it for a second.
Whatever your views on professional athletes may be, the athletes that compete in the Olympics are on a different level, a different mindset. While I agree that the professional athletes of baseball, basketball and football are overpaid (I don't understand why we pay these people whose sole purpose to "entertain" millions of dollars... same goes for celebrities and musicians), I have an enormous amount of respect for Olympians.
These people have made it their life goal to become the best in the world at their sport. Unlike 'celebrity athletes,' these athletes have a huge respect for their bodies and spend thousands of hours training those bodies. They don't make millions and they don't squander what they do made on elaborate parties (as far as I'm aware), drugs, booze and women. They love their sport for what it is. Not for the money.
Not only do they spend their lives preparing for that one moment,. that moment that can mean a medal or no medal, but they do it in front of billions of people. They show their highs and lows in front of the entire world and with the weight of the expectations and honor of their country, none-the-less! I find that absolutely amazing. These people aren't competing for the fame and the money... they're doing it for the sport and their country. They are inviting everyone to see their potential downfall and quite possibly one of the lowest points in theirs lives. And if they 'screw up,' they have to wait four more years until they get their chance again.
These are the idols and role models that kids should be looking up to. When Jones came out that she had used performance enhancing steroids and surrendered her medal, it was shocking! One of the remaining scenario's in which people are shocked and truly disappointed in.
And lastly, the Olympics ultimately serve as a world wide common interest. They were originally designed to bring the world together, differences aside, for friendly competition. You know how difficult it can be to set up a gathering of just a couple of friends... imagine an outing for the entire world!
I dislike the commercialism and branding that comes with the Olympics but I do believe that they are something good to get excited for. I'm proud of the representation the US has at the Olympics. They aren't overpaid, egotistical athletes or delusional rock star's or pouty, demanding celebrities. They, along with the 11,000 some other athletes, are there for the love of the sport and their country (I know... repetitive and redundant). The Olympics are a reason to get excited for the achievements of others and feel trodden when their competator's fall.
I'm currently watching a recorded video of the cross country part of eventing... and loving every minutes of it :)
Sometimes it's healthy to feel towards strangers.
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