The Spirit of Sport
It is, perhaps, a rather peculiar thing, that i write on the Olympic Games at the end of it all. But like all things, there is a reason for doing so. We have gone through the Games, some of us sharing in the ups and downs, the cheers and screams, some of us just existed through the duration, scarcely aware of its existence. Whatever it may have been, we have all experienced the Games, in all its enormity and grandeur. We have rooted for Ronald Susilo and Li Jiawei, even if some don't regard them as Singaporean. Our spirits rose when Susilo beat world number one Lin Dan (Come on, admit it) and sank as North Korea defeated Li, aggravated ever more by those absurd yelps that put in mind a dog which has just had an encounter with an unsuccessful neutering attempt of the first degree. Yea, i hate you too. You and your little bumpkin country.Even if unconsciously, i am sure that all of us have felt that sensation of excitement and adrenalin that only sport can arouse. For those who don't know, the Olympics were originally, in a way, designed to prepare Greek soldiers for war a long time ago. Athletics, wrestling, javelin throwing... these were common events at that time, and competitors were expected to excel at it. It is a strange fate then, is it not, that the preparation surpassed the event in importance and greatness? Perhaps not. Sport is the perfect substitute for war, after all. The same desire to dominate is satiated just as effectively, if not better. Such is the power of sport.
"The greatest moment, takes place before the gun even fires, when for a moment, no country is bigger or smaller, greater or lesser. That is the Olympic moment." - Nelson Mandela, in an advertisement for the Games. How so very true. Sport equalizes countries and people better than what dear Karl Marx could have thought of. You never know when the underdog will truimph. That unpredictability makes it all the more exciting, because anything can and will happen. That is what keeps people coming back year after year after year.
"You would not have the essence (of the Games), until you understand, that the greatest muscle, is the heart." - Andrea Bocelli, in another advertisement. Very insightful. Sportsmanship is the key to any sporting event. You can clap for the victors, but you will clap for the losers as well, because at the end of the day, be it a good or a bad show, you are applauding their effort, and not just their results. The competitor that stumbles, but gets back on his feet to complete the race, no matter how hurt he is, gets more applause than the one who actually wins the event. That is true sportsmanship. That is the essence of the Games.
What is it, that makes us cheer with the victorious? What is it, that makes us groan for the shortcomings of others? what is it, that makes us sympathize for the defeated? What is it, that lifts our hearts so high? What is it, that makes us hold our breath in anticipation? What is it, that slows down Time, just for that Olympic moment?
It is that sense of wonderment, that feeling of greatness, that rising tide of ecstasy, that celebration of preserverence, that show of determination...
That, my friends, is the Spirit of Sport.
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