Why I Support The Olympics

This year has brought a lot of protest in regards to the Olympics. A lot of people might wonder why I support the Olympics. Normally I wouldn't try to justify something like this. However, in this case I feel there is something greater here and with all the negative stuff I've read about the games I want to put something else out there.

I do understand why people are opposed to the Olympics being in Beijing. I also know that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) believed they could affect change in China with the games. They sought certain promises from China in awarding them the games. The mistake the IOC made was thinking a country that showed no interest in changing previously would do so now.

However, no matter how stupid the IOC was in awarding the games to China that is no reason to try and punish the athletes. All those people who were calling for boycotts crossed a line in my opinion. Unfortunately, there are some sports in the Olympics that are just a show case for millionaire professionals. But, there are more sports that the participants may only win a couple thousand dollars a year. For some they might get an endorsement deal and others their biggest financial payoff will be that they get their college education paid for.

For those who don't get the millions a year the pinnacle of their athletic career is the Olympics. They may not have a real chance at a medal but, it is sports and anything is possible. You do not take away someones dream because of political issues they have no control over. It was wrong when Carter did it in 1980 and it wasn't right when Russia returned the favor and boycotted the games in 1984.

There is so much more to the Olympics than winning or losing. It is about competition. It is about living a dream. It is about being part of something that is a bigger than any one person or nation. It is about stories of athletes over coming unbelievable challenges for a single moment of personal glory. Some come to achieve a personal best. Others come to prove it can be done no matter where you come from. And in those stores others find inspiration.

And despite what people think, there is an Olympic movement. The Olympics have brought new sports to countries and allowed people to be greater than they ever thought possible. Allows them to participate in something they never thought possible because of where they were from. Take the Jamaican bobsled team. Do you really think that would have ever happened without the Olympics? How can you not have some respect for the power of the games with stories like that?

The Olympic movement has been a powerful tool in promoting women in sports. There are countries where women wouldn't have sports available to them if not for the Olympics. As a woman this is one of the greatest things about the Olympics.

The main point is the games are more than just a sporting event. They bring hopes, and dreams, and yes even change to people. That is why I support the Olympic games.