Olympic Glory

Hello All,

I was sorry to see the Olympic games end! The games were truly a testament to the perseverance of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the people of Japan, and all of the athletes in the face of adversity, a pandemic of epic proportion. It was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, closed the ceremony with these comments, “Over the last sixteen days, you have amazed us with your sporting achievements. With your excellence, with your joy, with your tears, you created the magic of the Olympic game.”

And magical they were. The athletes touched our hearts. Their names and stories were heard. Their bravery in overcoming obstacles, physical and mental, will be what is discussed for years to come. They made a difference at the games and for our world.

I have to share at least one more story about why these games were about kindness – of the athletes and others! Hansle Parchment is a Jamaican track and field phenom. He took the wrong bus to get to the competition venue for his semifinal for the 100 meter hurdles. He was stranded and had to find a way to get to the correct venue. An Olympic volunteer, identified as Trijana, rescued him by paying for his taxi ride to the track! Mr. Parchment made it to the semifinals – made it to the finals – and ultimately won the gold medal!

The story doesn’t stop there. Mr. Parchment went back to find Trijana to say thank you. He repaid her for the taxi fare – showed her the medal that she helped him win – and gave her a Jamaican t-shirt. And the story doesn’t stop there either! The Jamaican government, through the Ministry of Tourism, invited Trijana for a visit! A Ministry official said, “It is selfless what she did; one would not know what the outcome would have been. No matter where in the world she is, we want to reciprocate the kindness shown to one of our own.” I hope Trijana takes them up on this offer!

This all reminds me of a quote from Zero Dean, author, photographer, filmmaker – “Never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness. Your act may just be the added lift that someone needs to go from falling to flying.” Trijana helped Mr. Parchment fly!

I don’t have to wait long to see the next Olympic Games – the Paralympic Games start on August 24th and run through September 5th. These are just inspirational! And the 2022 Winter Games will be held in Beijing, China. This is the second time the Games will be held in Beijing – the first was in 2008. I can hardly wait to see figure skating (I love ice dancing), bobsled, luge (scares me to death!), ice hockey, speed skating, skiing, snowboarding……and the infamous curling! I will be right there!

And did you know that at least one of the Olympic rings’ colors appears in every national flag?

I hope that today, you are the one who lifts someone from falling to flying!

Phyl

P.S. You have got to go out to YouTube and see this young man sing! Check out John Weathers at The Kessler Theater in Dallas, Texas singing Dolly Parton’s and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. I love the reason he sings it – for his mom who was a huge fan of the movie and soundtrack of “The Bodyguard”. (Me too!) He is incredible, soloing with his acoustic guitar and with a song that is phenomenally difficult to get right. He nails it!

P.S.S. Next week’s topic will be about leadership – life lessons from a Navy Seal!