The Olympics and Sportmanship

The Olympics in Vancouver are well underway.  The Opening Ceremonies was a spectacular display of light and fabric and music, interpretations in four seasons.  Simply awe inspiring in so many different ways.  I have not been a fan of opening ceremonies I think since about 1984 Los Angeles I believe.  But a job very well done by all participants, celebrities, and the volunteer contingent, second to none!


I have enjoyed watching portions of different disciplines. The skiing is pretty intense, particularly the Men's Downhill.  The Speed Skating.  Moguls.  Board events - the cross.  All fabulous.


In watching the moguls, the event for Canada is monumental.  A Gold medal on our soil in Canada at the Olympics.  And a stunning run by Alex.  And the run of the second place Aussie (former Cdn and reigning Gold Medalist) was very good as well.  However, he was quite obviously very disappointed.  In the footage post-race, with  the two other smiling and waving and being happy, enjoying their moment, the Aussie fella had the most glum look on his face.  Nary a spark of energy exuding from him.


And then today the complaint filed by the Aussie Olympic committee on the fairness of the judging and that the outcome was incorrect.  This is a story that reflects poorly only on the originators.  At this pinnacle level of sport, professionalism and gratitude for being there should predominate.


It again comes back to not being about you, or what happened to you, but about how you react.  Perspective.  Know, understand and accept your perspective.