Every time there’s a new round of Olympic games I remember something very specific from decades ago: I was watching the opening ceremonies, enjoying the parade of athletes from all around the world, when I heard a commentator say, “You know, a lot of the athletes from those small countries don’t have a chance.”
I can’t remember which Olympics it was—I believe I’ve blocked out everything else. No one else seemed to notice it so I was surprised I was the only one who had a mental record scratch. I remember that statement. Maybe it’s better forgotten but the fact that someone said it out loud has left me with the feeling that it deserves pushback.
Granted I’m not naïve enough to think that every athlete has an equal chance. Some come from countries that have better training facilities and better resources. Many countries send athletes who are professionals; not all have that advantage. Countries with larger populations have a larger pool of athletes to draw from, though that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. I’m also not naïve enough to think that just anyone can qualify for the Olympics. Every athlete there has worked hard and reached a high level.
I have had wild daydreams of moving to Nauru, the smallest country in terms of both size and population competing in the Olympics, and trying out, but it would still take a lot of hard work and training to even have a chance, which is why my daydreams quickly turn to me putting a javelin through my foot, tripping over some weights, falling off the high dive into the pool, getting run over by horses playing water polo, and finally being hit by a surfboard, which would get a lot of coverage but I completely understand is not the sort of look the organizers of the Olympics want, but that’s another story.
Something I always think about when watching Olympic events: every athlete in every event is that every athlete there, professional or not, has earned their place there. And even if the odds are in favor of certain athletes no outcome is predetermined. Any competitor could have a bad day—though I wouldn’t wish that on them—and any competitor could have a really good day, which is something I wish for all of them even if the nature of competitions is that not everyone can win.
Maybe I really am naïve but I believe every competitor has a chance and that’s the best part of the Olympics.
Also good luck, Winzar Kakiouea of Nauru.
If you’re naive, I’m naive, Chris. This post gets a gold medal.
You’re a champion in my book, Ann.