I have been watching the Olympics with a great deal of interest as have, according to news reports, more Americans than ever. I, of course, loved watching Simone Biles compete, and Katie Ledecky win decisively in her long-distance races. But what struck me most was the men’s gymnastic team from Ukraine. Unlike so many of the athletes that train in places other than their home countries, these men made a point of staying in Kyiv. This city is regularly bombed by the invading Russians, and one cannot imagine the strain of a team and a people living in those conditions. One of the team members commented that it meant something to their fellow citizens that they remained in their devastated city to work. That they were able to compete and compete well while their country was under such duress, was one of the highlights of the games for me.
Another highlight was the runners from Africa and the small Caribbean Islands who ran their hearts out. While the camera panned the gathered families from wealthier nations cheering on their competitors, there was no one in the stands for these athletes. Their cheering sections were still at home, just as excited and just as proud, but not able to make the expensive trip. The fastest woman in the world is from Saint Lucia, a place most Americans would be hard pressed to find on a map, and she won her country’s first ever medal.
In the midst of all the excitement over the American athletes, it is good to remember how fortunate we all are to be citizens of this country. That is the great thing about the Olympics --- a chance to view the rest of the world, rejoice with them in their victories, and then count our blessings.