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Many meanings for being a championFor TV viewers and sports enthusiasts, these days have been dominated by the Beijing Olympics. The only word for the four-hour opening ceremonies was “spectacular “— an incredible display of creativity and technological genius woven together seamlessly by 15,000 performers. But what impressed me even more was the parade of athletes from 205 countries — from Albania to Zimbabwe — from some countries I didn’t even know existed. The fact that some were even there was a testimony to their dedication and perseverance despite tremendous obstacles. From a viewer’s perspective, it seemed too good to be true — an unusual exhibition of an ideal world with an affirmation of the gifts and achievements of 10,500 athletes, all processing peacefully and mixing amiably with each other in spite of cultural differences, with 91,000 spectators cheering them on. And the world was watching. The theme — “One World, One Dream” — was being enacted for a brief moment on that world stage. Humanity living together in peace almost seemed possible in spite of conflicts raging elsewhere. In prerecorded interviews, participating athletes often mentioned the true meaning of competing in the Olympics was in the “struggle to do their personal best.” Not all were medal contenders, but just to be there was reward enough for some. However, as the games are progressing, news reports seem to focus only on the medal race. Who is ahead today? Is it China or the U.S.? Isn’t the one medal for an athlete from a small country just as important? Reporters count not only who has the most medals, but who has the most GOLD medals. Suddenly, achieving the silver and bronze medals are devalued and seen as signs of failure. The favorites to win in each event are hyped by commentators and if they don’t perform up to expectations, make one error, or are off their game by a nanosecond, remarks are made that they “had to settle” for the silver, or the bronze — a great “disappointment.” To be the second or third best in the world in anything is remarkable and it is sad that these achievements are not valued as much as they were in the past. This trend to only value the “best,” to be No. 1, also places a great unnecessary burden in daily life. As people struggle for “the gold” in their lives — for the perfect marriage, the perfect job, the “trophy” body and the American dream — reality sets in and, just like the Olympic athletes, only consistent perseverance and endurance will see them through. Our lives are complicated and there are many unexpected challenges to contend with in the game of life, i.e., addictions of one kind or another, mental illness, loss of a job, difficulty supporting a family, marital discord, illness, etc. Many experience discouragement as they fall short of their goals because of the human condition or circumstances beyond their control. In the view of peers, they may not be appreciated for the daily quiet successes they achieve or the “heart of gold” they often show in their generosity to others. But if the “struggle to do one’s personal best” is what really counts, then our world is filled with heroes. Not all of us can be like swimmer Michael Phelps. In fact, most of us will never pass muster for a medal of any kind, but we do have the ability to offer words of encouragement and appreciation to those with whom we interact every day. In 1942, the American composer Aaron Copland wrote a piece with Olympic-style brass flourishes called “Fanfare for the Common Man.” It celebrates the victories of ordinary people in life’s daily struggles. We can identify with that! Sister Hoverman is editor of The Witness, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa.
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