There’s nothing like cheering for a team. Just ask any global citizen who loves watching the Olympic Games! The worldwide event brings out the ultimate fan in all of us. Whether we’re watching an obscure sport or a marquis event, we hold our breath through every race, dive, jump, twist, and flip. We gasp at every missed point, sudden fall, or blown opportunity. And we absolutely race to the TV to get a closer look at every incredible goal, every amazing shot, every close race, and every mind-blowing routine.
But why? Why do we care so deeply about the Olympic athletes and their quests?
Why are we so sucked into their missed opportunities and fallen dreams? Likewise, what makes witnessing greatness feel so special? Why do we feel the highs and lows of the Olympics so intently? Especially when we’ve never heard of most of the athletes. I mean, not everyone is a Simone Biles.
How does it happen? What makes us want to cheer for these athletes or their teams?
Do we see a picture or hear an athlete’s name and automatically connect with them? No, not usually. Is it national pride? Maybe. But more likely, it’s something else.
It’s their Olympic story.
Because stories resonate with us and a good story will always draw us in.
On more than one occasion during the last week, I’ve tuned in to watch a match or game and found a segment highlighting an athlete. Their backstory will be told and within minutes, I feel the incredible need to cheer for them. Hearing about their unlikely road to just make the team and the obstacles they’ve overcome, gets to me every single time! Has that happened to you?
That’s the power of story.
It’s exactly what happens when you read a great book. We turn the page because we relate to the characters and want to cheer for them on their quest. It’s like we want to be part of their journey.
When it comes to the Olympics, we do feel an incredible sense of country and team pride. I for one am all about Team USA! But I’m also inspired by athletes from around the globe too all because of their phenomenal stories. By watching the athletes prepare and struggle, soar and succeed I’m reminded of not only the hard work they’ve put in, but the incredible obstacles they’ve conquered just to be a part of something so special.
The first real goal/ dream I ever remember having was to become an Olympic gymnast, win a gold medal, and stand on the top of the podium. But where did that dream come from? Well, I remember watching the Olympics on TV as a nine-year-old and cheering for Nadia Comaneci as she scored the world’s first perfect 10 as a fourteen-year-old—on my birthday no less! I knew nothing about her at the time, but listening to a story of her flipping around on the playground when she was just six years old, and being picked out of obscurity, resonated with me even back then. She became my idol and role model. She wasn’t American but that didn’t matter to me. She was fun to watch and her story inspired me to practice gymnastics on the playground and in my backyard—all in hopes of being discovered!
I may not have realized that dream but I’ll keep watching the Olympics. I’ll never get tired of being inspired by the athletes and their incredible stories. And I’ll never stop dreaming my own dreams and setting lofty goals. The Olympic Games have a knack for showcasing the power of teamwork, celebrating the journey as well as the result, and highlighting the human spirit. How motivating is that?
I hope you’re watching too and finding motivation for yourself…or for your team. I mean, if you can’t get inspired by these athletes, I don’t know what will do it!
Until next time, I’m off to watch gymnastics and volleyball and swimming and equestrian and rugby and soccer and tennis and fencing and diving and skateboarding and triathlon and track and pole vault… (did I miss any?) and cheer as loud as I can! I hope you will be too.
Oh and did I mention that my book titles may have been inspired by the Olympic medals? Yeah, I’m a big Olympic fan!
Cheers to chasing big dreams this week…and creating your own podium!
