The Olympics can't claim an exclusive right to dreams
BY HARVEY MACKAY United Feature Syndicate
Sunday, August 26, 2012
8/26/12 at 3:18 AM
There are few things left to be said about the spectacular Olympics we witnessed in London.
The 10,000 athletes all had Olympic dreams. Some were realized, while others had their hopes dashed.
As Americans, we had overwhelming reasons to be proud of our topflight athletes, even when they didn't bring home medals.
As a delighted spectator, I can say that I also had Olympic dreams. And mine came true.
Again.
I have been attending every summer Olympics for 40 years. And I think the 17 days my wife and I spent in London were probably the most electrifying of all.
For me, the Olympics are a metaphor for how to succeed in life and business. Of the 40 events we attended, these were my favorites:
Persistence will win the day: When 15-year-old Katie Ledecky dove in for the 800-meter freestyle race, she was hardly the favorite. The youngest member of the American Olympic delegation had to swim for a half-mile and maintain an exhausting pace to beat the crowd favorite, Great Britain's Rebecca Adlington. Katie looked fabulous with a gold medal draped around her neck.
Teamwork is essential for success: The USA men's basketball team's elite all-stars are accustomed to being the center of attention on their NBA teams. They spend their regular seasons trying to beat each other on their opposing teams. To defeat Spain for the gold, they had to contain their egos and deliver their best efforts - together.
Follow your passion: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings had already won gold at the last two Olympics in beach volleyball and contemplated whether the London games were in their future. Despite the other plans each pursued, the Olympics were never far away from their thoughts.
Work as hard as you can, then work harder: The games are full of stories of athletes who defied all odds. What could be more inspiring than watching South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated before his first birthday?
You are the only one who can limit your potential: Michael Phelps got off to a disappointing start, finishing fourth in an event that he should have dominated. Was that a wake-up call for the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time? He came shining through, medaling in the rest of his events.
Set goals: Usain Bolt was defeated in Jamaica's Olympic finals in June, so he rededicated himself and became the greatest sprinter in Olympic history. He won the 100-meter and 200-meter races and anchored the men's 4x100-meter relay, which set a world record.
Visualize your dreams: The Fab Five of women's gymnastics had a huge challenge against the Russian team. They knew that a single misstep could end their dreams. These athletes are too young to remember when the USA last won women's gymnastics gold in 1996, but they all spoke of being inspired by the 2004 games - when they were about 8 years old - and their dreams of Olympic gymnastic success.
You've gotta have a little fun: The pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies was magnificent, but is it really necessary? Absolutely! These celebrations are gigantic, larger-than-life events that are meticulously choreographed and executed to make sure everyone is having a great time. I wouldn't miss these two extravaganzas.
Mackay's Moral: Maybe you can't win a gold medal for your job, but you can still be a champion.
Original Print Headline: Dreams are not an Olympic exclusive
Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times best-seller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." To send him a question or comment, go to tulsaworld.com/mackayfeedback.
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