Olympic Inspiration Part 2

The determination of the athletes who made it to the Olympics is incredible. Some of them persevered despite huge odds and obstacles. They knew what they wanted to achieve and they held the vision and they did it.

Their goal was not to medal. For these athletes, attending the Games and participating was what they set their sights on.

They may be the "big fish" back home. They may be from a land that is torn apart by war or politics or religion. They might not even have training facilities that every town in the USA has. And still they believed. They believed in the message of the Olympics--competition in sport can bring peace and understanding to the world.

So whether it is "Stany the Stingray" who finished last in the 50 meter freestyle--but was thrilled to attend and to compete--or the Iranian basketball team's presence for the first time since 1948, or athletes who literally dodge bullets to train, or the women who competed not wearing the latest technological breakthroughs but wearing traditional headscarves, these competitors were there for themselves and to represent their countries. Not for glory and certainly not for financial gain, their efforts rarely made television coverage, it is unlikely they'll get any commercial endorsements. Their countrymen may never know they were even there. But they were there. Fulfilling their vision. These are some true Olympians.

May I always remember both the determination they had to achieve their goal and the pleasure they took in the participating.