I thought we weren’t supposed to focus on one country’s medal count over the other. I thought the Olympics were supposed to be about nonpolitical, universal sportsmanship – a chance for the athletes to break down barriers by doing their absolute best. When did all that get thrown out? I am wondering if that ever really existed.
In 1984, Los Angeles proudly hosted the summer games. Peter Ueberroth proved it could be done within a budget; with at least a few permanent programs left behind to maybe enhance some kid’s athletic dream. Think Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.
I got to “participate” in the games by being a volunteer at the Santa Anita Race Track for the equestrian events. We had outfits designed by Levi Strauss that were similar to those our athletes wore walking in the Russian opening ceremony. I loved that uniform then; now, not so much.
As hosts we were told not to smoke, swear, or chew gum. We were taught that in some cultures people do not want to be looked directly in the eye. Our job was to stand in our uniforms and help people find their seats. We met Princess Anne. We only rooted for the American riders even though we were told that was not what the Olympics were about. We were clearly into counting the medals.
Maybe all those athletes and hosts that are in Russia now feel that sense of pride and patriotism that I felt. I hope so. I am not sure of the current medal count. I just hope we are winning.
If you ever go to court in a contested divorce case you are likely to hear that there are no winners in divorce battles, particularly when it comes to the kids. The message is a good one for both the lawyers and the litigants to keep in mind. In the rare case when everyone really listens to that message it encourages compromise and can result in the parties participating in the process; it’s even possible that all are satisfied with the outcome. In my experience, this does not happen as often as it might. I think there is a culture of medal counting.