Go for the Gold!
GO FOR THE GOLD!
We love the
Olympics! Originating in ancient Olympia Greece some 3,000 years ago, the 1st
modern Olympics took place in 1896 at Athens Greece.
Since 1994,
summer and winter Olympics have alternated every 2 years in different parts of
the world. Every Olympic is a competition of the world's best in every Olympic
sport. Each is there to do the best they can for their country, family,
and self. Many go home disappointed but all return home having tried to do
their very best.
The athlete
that many call the “greatest Olympian of all time” was a black American named
Jessie Owens. Although other track and field Olympians have won more medals, Jessie
won 4 gold medals and set 2 world records- in front of Adolph Hitler in 1936. Hitler
spent his life promoting the false idea of a “superior race.” Jessie proved that
people of all races can perform superiorly, that we all have God given talents
and that anyone can be capable of accomplishing amazing things when they set
goals and work hard developing their talents. Jessie reminded the world that
“all are alike unto God.” (2Nephi 26:33)
One of the greatest
Olympic boxing champions of all time was a Cuban named Teofilo Stevenson, a 3-time Olympic champion in consecutive Olympics- 1972, 1976 and 1980. Many
encouraged him to go pro and challenge Muhamad Ali. For Stevenson, it wasn’t
about money. He is quoted as saying, “What is a million dollars against 8
million Cubans who love me?” Money doesn’t equal success.
In Calgary Canada in 1988, a 4-man bobsled team inspired the world, not that they would win a medal but that they would even compete! They represented the small island nation of Jamaica, where winter sports are unheard of. Their efforts of preparation to even be able to practice and qualify to compete became the subject of a 1993 box office success called “Cool Runnings". (It’s a feel-good, must-see movie!) The 1988 bobsled team from Jamaica reminded the world that anyone, from anywhere can accomplish anything! This year’s 2022 Olympics is the 1st time in 20 years that a 4-man bobsled team from Jamacia has qualified to compete once again.
Lastly, who can forget the amazing stick to it, keep trying and never give up story of Michael David Edwards. Eddie was determined from childhood to be an Olympian, but his lack of athletic ability found him cut from the British ski team. That only slowed him down it didn’t stop him. He decided to find something that no other “Brit” was competing in, so he took up ski jumping and in 1988 became the 1st competitor since 1928 to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping. Although he finished last place in the normal hill competition, he decided to compete also in the large hill event which he had never attempted before. He landed his large hill jump in last place but still jumped far enough to set the British record which he held from 1988 to 2001.During his celebration dance (which resembled a turkey strut) at the end of his run, he said that he felt like he had soared like an Eagle. He became know there after as “Eddie the Eagle”. (Another must see movie by the same name.) Eddie taught us to never give up!
To conclude,
we are reminded of the apostle Paul’s analogy of life to a race. “Know ye not
that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that
ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
We hope that
you will reflect upon these stories of Olympic heroes-those who won Gold Medals
and those who placed last. Have the
ambition and the courage to do your very best in the race we call life.
If you do
the best you can then God will make up the difference and you will obtain the
prize Paul refers to, even the prize of eternal Salvation. (D&C 6:13)
Much Love-
The Grandparent Chronicles
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