Posted on 08/20/2016 2:13:01 PM PDT by Kaslin
The official Olympic medals table doesn’t fully capture participation, which is more reflective of the spirit of the Olympic Games. While it’s natural to celebrate winners, the pathos of losing can be more compelling, and some “losers” who tripped on the way to the podium have exhibited bravery that transcends sports.
The official table is medals won, whether ranked by gold medal count or by total medals. I’ve seen some interesting variations: one that adjusts for population; one that tallies points (3 for gold, 2 for silver and 1 for bronze) then divides by a score on human rights, as compiled by Freedom House; or one that that tallies points but uses GDP as the divisor. Each method reflects different perspectives of success, but they all place a premium on winning.
Ironically, the Olympic Spirit is imbued with the principle that, “[t]he important thing is not to win, but to take part.” Let’s respect that uplifting credo, and consider Olympic success through a different prism: participation. After all, showing up is half the battle in life, and in the Olympic Games some of the most memorable moments were inspired by “losers” who finished despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
There’s the Swiss runner Gabriela Andersen who staggered down the home stretch wobbling more than a drunken sailor finally on shore leave. Gabriela collapsed, but only after crossing the finish line at the end of her miraculous marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. You probably can’t remember who won that race, but she’ll always be remembered for bravely finishing 37th--and for being the ultimate winner.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
I hate it when that happens. Nothing worse than grabby snow.
Sorta like "ditch suction" when you're driving and end up in the ditch.
BS DQ of the US team in that relay on Friday.
The Track and Field officials seemed overeager to DQ athletes/teams throughout these Olympics. I’m glad that the American who won the Silver in the 5000 got his DQ overturned. If you are going to DQ an athlete during the Olympics it better be clear and unambiguous since they train their whole lives for this opportunity.
The PM of Japan just turned into Super Mario and used a subterranean tunnel to travel from Tokyo to Rio.
The producer of these closing ceremonies must have eaten some mushrooms.
I did it.
survived the entire Olympics without watching once.
I say BOLT. 3 times. but that counts for 40 seconds.
US and Britain go 1-2 in Gold Medals.
Just as it should be, America and Britain ruling the world.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.