How lovely to have a bright spot in these waning winter days. My family and I have been steadfast fans of the Olympics.
And I am now absolutely hooked on the US Snowboarding Teams - both the men and the women. They are my new favorite athletes. I find them so inspiring. Here’s why.
No matter how many times each is asked about how they feel about their competitors on the US team they all maintain a sense of loyalty. “We’re great friends AND competitors.” In fact, they seem to delight in the perfect execution of a new trick - whether they are the ones pulling off the feat or one of their friends/competitors. They are teaching us that the two need not be mutually exclusive.
They have more fun than any other athletes in the Olympics or elsewhere. I’m convinced of this fact. Even when they fall they seem to come up smiling! We’re reminded that even as the Olympics are momentous, joy should always be part of the equation.
Just prior to their individual runs, they’re rocking out! Most of them tuck their earphones into their pockets just before pushing off. We see them moving to the rhythms of the music they love; some we hear singing. Once again we see the ways in which music highlights the exuberance of the moment.
And of course, they are risk takers. They work hard - so hard - knowing that if they’re not the one who “puts down on any given day it won’t be for lack of preparation. They go
for it and we are moved to prepare and risk in witnessing their amazing feats of athletic prowess.
I have loved watching these young adults triumph whether they’ve medaled or not. And I find myself considering that peace on Earth and goodwill to all could perhaps happen if approached through the “Snowboarders’ Way”!
Why not?
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