Olympic Trekker

Go for the Gold!

Go for the Gold!

As I entered Roberts Elementary School, I immediately noticed the five Olympic rings boldly displayed on posters and proudly worn on t-shirts of staff and students. Below the rings were the words, “Roberts—Go for the Gold.” These words seemed more than just a catchy slogan to appease the “No Child Left Behind’ crowd. That day I saw students eagerly participate in the annual “Knowledg-athon.” (Adult volunteers orally quiz every student on 100 questions designed for that grade level. Just wondering how our politicians would do!) It was apparent that students eagerly approached the challenge to “Go for the Gold.” It seemed to me, though, the ‘Gold’ spirit was not limited just to this event but was business as usual at Roberts.

The rings also gave me the timely opportunity as their substitute media specialist to discuss one of my favorite topics—the Olympics. Two weeks from then I would be in Torino as the 2006 Winter Olympics opened. For real! Whether they wanted or not, these students were going to learn about the Olympics. ‘Show and tell’ wasn’t on the lesson plan, but no one was going to stop me from sharing my passion. (After all, what would the principal do, fire me?). Besides, did the kids really know what “Going for the Gold” really meant? We had fun. (The other lesson got done, too. Wouldn’t want to leave any children behind!)

Whenever I tell anyone that I will be attending the Torino Olympics, a smile immediately appears on their face (and often joined a sense of envy). Why are we so fascinated by the games? It seems the fascination is universal. For me it began in 1964 as I watched the first wide TV coverage of the games held in beautiful Innsbruck Austria. (It was even beautiful on our black and white TV!) As a kid who loved being outside in the winter, I was fascinated by all the winter events. I became addicted and every four years since then I have renewed my addiction. (During the 16 days of the Olympics any household rules limiting TV time are thoroughly ignored.) There have been so many wonderful moments in the Olympics. Just like everyone else in 1968, I fell in love with graceful Peggy Fleming and her poetry on ice. And who can forget the dramatic downhills of Austrian Franz Klammer or more recently Italian Alberto Tomba. The amazing 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ can provide inspiration for any underdog as the USA hockey team, young amateurs, stunned the powerful Russian team. And I will always remember the images of speed skaters Eric Heiden, Bonnie Blair, and Dan Jansen (all Wisconsinites!) whose dedication gave us such neat memories.

It’s easy to see why a ‘winter freak’ would think the Olympics are cool, but why everybody else? Even people who think ice was only invented to keep their drinks cool also love to watch amazing figure skaters and those crazy short-track speed skaters. So what is it? Well, for one it is fun to watch amazing athletes and to see fascinating sports other than football, basketball, and baseball (which otherwise so dominate American media). Another is the interest in the various host cities and cultures. We know enough about the cities in America, but we know so little about our friends worldwide. It is a treat to get to know Torino or Grenoble or Lillehammer. It gives us a great excuse to learn about people who speak funny, have great food (and wine) and just have another way of doing things.

But maybe mostly our fascination stems from our love of the Olympic spirit. It is a spirit that inspires us to be our best no matter what our passion happens to be. We can all “Go for the Gold” whether it is luge, or ski jumping, or cooking. (I am afraid that my cooking skill rests even lower than my luge and ski-jumping talents.)

A final dimension of the Olympic spirit is sorely needed today. It invites the entire world to come together despite our differences. (It welcomes and celebrates those differences!) Eighty-five countries participate. Some don’t even have snow! In a world so torn by hatred, ignorance, and greed, the Olympics extend the invitation worldwide to come together in friendship, respect, and peace.

And, of course, it is the world’s best party!

So, game on! Torino, here we come!

P.S. If you look for us, we’ll be in the Bob Eucker seats!

posted by OlympicTrekker @ 10:36 PM