Though I didn’t get to watch lot of games during 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic, I am hearing some positive and some negative incidents that took place during the Olympic.
A heartwarming story I heard was during the 5,000 meters run, New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin tripped and fell but Abbey D’Agostino, an American runner, gave her a hand and said, “Get up. We have to finish this.” Though neither one of them came close to winning that race, they both finished the race and have shown the true Olympic spirit.
Middle of practice pole vault, Sam Kendricks (2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserves) stopped to pay respect when he heard the National Anthem being played at the track & field stadium. Of course this video clip went viral!
Yet, there were shameful Olympians who tarnished his/her country as well as their athleticism. The International Olympic Committee stripped the first medal in 2016 Olympic from Artykov of his bronze medal in men’s weightlifting after tested positive for illegal substance.
Maybe he didn’t get his medal taken away but Ryan Lochte, American swimmer and medal winner, lied about how he was robbed by gun point by Brazilian police officers. Too drunk and unruly, he along with other swimmers caused unnecessary situation that internationally tarnished the reputation of American Olympians.
Even though some said that they are young and allow some minor mistakes in life, I take it little more seriously because they were representing their country. What they do or say reflect who they are as Americans which also warns me of who I am in Christ. I, too, am an ambassador for Christ (1 Cor. 5:20) and thus, I need to be more aware of my attitude and action in public.
I am not pointing finger at anyone but reminding myself that I have to be careful.
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:27 -ESV)