I’m watching the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics as I type this.
It’s all precision and flags and swelling music in the background. Oh, and also empty-like-anything stands.
When the camera pans to the empty chairs in the stadium it looks almost natural. I’ve gotten used to seeing zero spectators every time I’ve flicked on the TV. It’s 2021, after all. Or 2020, in Olympic jargon.
We live in strange times, that much we know.
I used to love watching the Olympics growing up. It was an event, a highlight. Something about it fascinated me. But this year, I have to admit it all felt a bit excessive. Although, maybe a better word is incongruent. Something feels misplaced, maybe because it is.
The thing that impresses me most about the Olympics is the endurance and strength of the athletes. How they are able to find the strength within themselves to dig deep, beat the odds and achieve new personal records. And how they just don’t stop trying. It’s a virtue that every Olympian seems to possess. Even when things don’t go to plan, they display a strength that feels almost superhuman. And not just a physical strength either.
The Olympics are a symbol of humanity. Emotions are raw and real and visible. And there is no hiding from the cameras, because we all know cameras can’t get enough of that stuff.
And yet, it still all feels so bittersweet this year.
Here’s the thing, though: I don’t know any elite athletes personally. But my opinion is — if you’re alive, you’re automatically an elite athlete. Why? Because you’re fighting your fight, you don’t give up, and your strength is admirable.
Everyday situations call for all of us to be an Olympian. We are often the coach, the superstar, the spectator and the commentator at exactly the same time.
Human strength is incredible, but it’s not caught on camera or broadcast onto our screens. It’s not gushed over or glorified. Most of the time, it’s lived through quietly, and often we’re the only ones aware that we actually went beyond our perceived capabilities and did something incredible.
But that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
So, whatever you are fighting right now, whatever you’re working towards, just know you’re amazing.
To quote Oprah — YOU deserve a medal, and YOU deserve a medal, and YOU deserve a medal!
No, seriously, you do.
See you in four years!