Lessons from the Olympics

Today the world is engrossed in the going ons of the Olympics where athletes from all over the world to pit their prowess against each other in their quest to win the gold medal. If we were to reflect a bit we would want to know the history of the Games which dates back to 776 BCE and what led to its beginning.The Games has its linkage to ancient mythology and it involves names like Hercules.Zeus ,and other mythological figures.Nevertheless it was a Frenchman who initiated the start of the modern day Olympics because he saw that one of the reasons why the French troops were defeated was because they lacked vigour and this made him see the value of exercise as a means of keeping the body fit and able to carry out strenuous tasks.hence the bid to get nations together to enable the young people to have a reason be be good in their field and be fit enough to excel in it. The first modern day Olympics took place in Athens in the year 1896 and since then it has grown in status and meaning to all countries and athletes .It makes you wonder what these young people had to go through in order to compete at this level.Looking at them and the way they have developed their bodies makes you realise that this did not come about by accident.Look at the physique of the swimmers,runners to name just a couple would make you appreciate the hours of hard work which must have surely gone into them be able to come out like that.To devote that kind of physique needs discipline, commitment and an unwavering sense of purpose.This, an important lesson for us...that to be anywhere good or worthy we need to be disciplined and be prepared for hard work.This is what separates the men from the boys. The Olympics is all about achievement and bringing glory to oneself and country.In the olden days an athlete would be so proud to just represent his country and if he does win a medal for his country nothing would make him prouder.Today victory is nor only for oneself and country but also the monetary benefits which come with success>Its perhaps something to think about when the Games come down to that.In the early days other than winning medals the Games offered an opportunity for young people from all parts of the world to meet in healthy competition and fellowship.Goodwill and better international relations were achieved through this.Its heartening to see athletes from countries with different ideologies coming together in the spirit of friendship.Yes,the Games teach us to be open minded and ready to set aside colour,creed and religion in the spirit of sports.Its an eye opener to see losers congratulating the winners and the winners consoling the losers.This is sportsmanship where the sports spirit can rise above petty human inclinations. So watching the Games with all its intensities and fierce competition spare a little thought and look beyond what you see.The Olympics is not just about winning its goals go far beyond this.!