Smile Medal Winners!

Often at the Olympic Games, it is interesting to see the difference in the attitudes of some athletes when they win silver or bronze rather than gold. Sure, the ultimate goal is to be on top of the podium, but becoming a silver or bronze medallist is a pretty significant feat too I would think. But some of the glum expressions on the lower steps of the podium certainly do not attest to such a narrative. 

With that said, it is therefore extremely uplifting when we see second and third place finishers celebrate with pure joy, honouring the hard work that have been put in and sacrifices that have been made in preparation to be amongst the best in the world. Be it tears brought on by emotion or massive hugs with team-mates, the smiles on the faces of these athletes truly exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship, that having earned a medal is just the icing on the cake, and that the act of participation with one's fellow athletes is what matters more. 

Although no successful sportsman myself, I do believe that the joy of participation is under-rated and should be the focus, rather than just aiming for that Olympic gold medal. For the many who participate and who will never win a medal, I think this certainly holds true. 

Tom Daley and Daniel Goodfellow celebrate winning bronze for Great Britain in the men's platform synchronised diving at Rio 2016.