Olympic Aspirations

So the Olympics are happening. Did you hear?

Source, Source, Source.

You can’t go anywhere without an Olympic-something-or-other in your face these days, but it’s hard not to get caught up in all the excitement. I’ve always loved watching the Olympics, but this year I’ve been watching with a different perspective in mind: my son.

I know, it’s cheesy and sappy and cliché, but I can’t help it. Let’s blame hormones or lack of sleep. {It’s neither of those; it’s just being a mom.}

This year the Olympic events are more than just sporting matches and athletic competitions. They are more than strong, amazing athletes. They’re incredible potential role models for my son. Ok, so maybe not this year’s competitors specifically, but maybe the next time the summer Olympics roll around they will be.

Source

Every time I turn the TV on I’m blown away by the strength and dedication these athletes are demonstrating. Not only are they athletically talented; they portray the outcome of hard work and determination. I think of all the sleepovers and birthday parties they must’ve missed as kids to train or travel to a competition or game. All the early morning wake up calls and the hours spent focusing on improving a single element of their sport: perfecting a kick or a tumbling sequence or their diet.

Source.

I’m glad this is what’s on TV right now. I wish there was also something so positive taking over prime time and early Saturday morning shows. To have my son inundated with such feats of power, resilience, and perseverance. Those are the things I want for him. Those are things I want him to strive for in life. I want him to do whatever he wants in life, but knowing these things are some of his choices make me happy, excited, and proud.

Looking beyond the athletics of the Games, I’ve found myself gravitating towards the athletes that represent themselves the best. The ones that have a positive outlook even when they don’t perform their best and the ones that speak highly of their fellow athletes, despite being competitors. It’s the athletes with poise, grace, and humility that I’m pulling for this year. Because those are the ones I want my son to aspire to be like.

Source

I’ve taken a go at a handful of sports that are featured at the Summer Games: swimming, gymnastics, track, field hockey, and now triathlon and cycling. Only difference? I was never any good. It just makes me all the more impressed with the level of physical performance and athletic ability these competitors maintain. I’ll be keeping these guys in mind next time I don’t feel like pushing so hard during a workout…

Have you participating in any of the sports that take place at the Summer Olympics? If you could compete in one sport, what would it be?