Olympic gold?

Our media seem to focus on medal tallies and gold.  It is as if the sole purpose of the Games is to win as many gold medals as possible.  Anything less is counted as failure.

This doesn't gel with the ideals of the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. His basic premise was: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well."

Certainly striving for gold can be a great motivation to produce one's best effort.  

But many participants enter their event knowing full well that they have no hope of standing on the winner's podium. An example in today's news, an Ethiopian swimmer who came in half a pool-length behind the winner in the 100 metres swim.  The crowd cheered him as mightily as they did the winner. He gave of his best and deserved to have that honoured.

In life, where would we be if we only attempted what we were certain would be a winner.  Success in living comes not from comparison with others, but with the measure of our own goals and efforts.  Seeming failures can turn out to be the greatest achievers.  Think only of Jesus hanging on the cross!

So, in life I must give everything worthwhile a go, give of my best, and be happy that I did, regardless of the result.