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. 

Compelling London 2012

I've been trying to catch as much of the Olympics action as I can. Was happy to see Ryan Lochte victorious in the 400m Individual Medley, the first London 2012 race I watched. There are so many stories to witness - success after much hard work, failure despite being tagged as favourite, hiccups that cost a podium finish, sheer determination just to complete a race, how the home crowd supports their countrymen and women. That's what makes the Olympics so compelling. If only the time difference wasn't that vast, it would be much easier to catch all the action.

I was watching the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving last night and was looking forward  to see Tom Daley and Peter Waterfield of the Great Britain team medal. Sadly, a disappointing fourth dive wrecked their chances of getting onto the podium. Still they recovered with two good final dives to finish fourth, just a few points shy of a bronze. Which brings me to my point. Sometimes we make a bad mistake in life and take a tumble. Yes, we can wallow in self pity, but only for awhile. Then it's time to get up and move one. Little steps lead to bigger strides and before you know it, we're back on track.

Fortune favours the brave.

Peter Waterfield and Tom Daley.