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Today at Smile-Therapy: Life Lessons and some Final Thoughts on Winter Olympics 2010
Ø First what a superb host city. Everyone seems so friendly and gracious, and Vancouver showed the world that a beautiful, classy production can be put on without spending gobs and record amounts of money. Hats off to our Canadian neighbors to our north. Ø How about the intense competition, the incredible talent, endless effort and sacrifices made in this, and likely every Olympics? Ø Next it was very pleasing that the whole world can come together peacefully, yet competitively, and have games in a civilized, fun and spirited manner with respect and dignity for all participants. Ø While we are on that, a total of 83 countries competed, with 2629 individual athletes. From Albania to Uzbekistan, teenagers to even an adult in his 50’s. First time Olympians and others, incredibly on their 4th separate Olympic games. Can you imagine the training to stay in tip- top shape for 16 long years? Ø The opening and closing ceremonies are quite entertaining to watch. You get a great sense of cultures, flag representations, national anthems, and country pride of each of the participants . Ø The individual stories are amazing, from personal triumphs to stories of grief. I would be remiss to not mention the 21 year old Georgian that tragically passed on, during competition in practice runs, reminding us all of the risks and perils of competition at its highest level. May he always be remembered and may he rest in peace. Ø The personal records that are made, others shattered. The level of talent, rising to the occasion, being pushed far beyond perhaps even the athletes own extreme beliefs. Ø As an American, I was impressed by the class shown by Lindsey Vonn, even with all the over attention she received by the media. The light hearted, yet ’totally awesome’ talents of snowboarder Shawn White was refreshing. I also enjoyed the gracious attitude, even in defeat, of boarder Lindsey Jacobellis, the return of one of the world’s fastest, craziest skiers, Bode Miller, and the professionalism and BIG PICTURE attitude of Apolo Ohno. Regardless if he won the gold, the bronze, or was disqualified, Ohno’s post interviews showed me that for him, there is a much bigger picture than just winning. It’s the journey, being there. Representing your country, and doing your absolute best each and every time you go to post. It’s enjoying being in the moment and taking it all in. Last but not least, it’s about giving back to the youth of tomorrow, as he bid perhaps his last of 4 separate Olympic showings. To me, the biggest thing I can take from the Olympics is that, above all…ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. I previously wrote a Smile Therapy about the first Polish female to ever win a winter Olympic GOLD for her country of Poland. What message does that send to everyone else in her country? Everyone in the world? If she can do it, why not me. Is there a more powerful message anyone could pass on to us all than that? In my opinion, it’s as INSPIRATIONAL as it gets!
What’s your thoughts on this writing and how do you feel about the Olympic Competitions? Read more stories by Tim Smith For all the info you’d ever want on the Olympics, click here… http://www.nbcolympics.com/medals/2010-standings/index.html#overall T.A Smith Creator, Smile-Therapy.com Stop by for YOUR Daily SMILE |
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March 5, 2010 - As life is, it moves pretty fast and with the 2010 Winter Olympics come and gone, we are onto the next great thing. Before we leave this behind, I wanted to share some final random thoughts, life lessons and general comments on the 21st Winter games at Vancouver Canada. In no specific order..
