The Winter Olympics: a lesson in sport
Athletes of all sports could learn a lot from the Winter Olympics and Vancouver 2010.
Take the drama of the men’s short track speed skating 1000m final, where the new Olympic record holder Sung Si-Bak lost out to to his compatriots Lee Jung-Su and Lee Ho-Suk because he didn’t want it as much as they did. Overwhelmed by their desire, he ended up crashing out after a mistake on the final corner as they took gold and silver respectively.
Take the sportmanship of the British women’s curling team last night, tried and tested after a Danish opponent kicked one her own stones with her right foot and stopped it from sliding out of the scoring zone. Led by young Eve Muirhead, they were happy for play to continue, knowing full well that an arguement was futile.
Take the wild, joyous celebrations of Andrea Fischbacher on Saturday after she had won a women’s Super G final which ebbed and flowed, with those occupying medal positions changed countless times in the final few runs. It was as if her very dream had come true.
Having a special desire to win, maintaining dignity whilst amidst the heat of a major competition and celebrating as if your life depended on it. Three instances that don’t present themselves too often within your weekly dose of football or rugby, where sportsman take it all for granted. The mainsteam sports may lead the way in terms of glamour and money but you just can’t beat that true to itself sense of genuineness that emanates from every athlete at the Winter Olympics.
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