To the editor:
There were close to 3,000 participants in this year’s Winter Olympics that represented more than 90 countries. That shows the enormity of what the Olympics is about. But there is something more basic than chasing medals that should be recognized. Regardless of past performances, even if you have repeatedly been the best in your event in your country, having an off day or an injury can eliminate you from qualifying for a spot in the Olympics. So just making the team should say it all because regardless of how you perform at the games, you are a world-class athlete.
The father of an Olympic athlete disagreed with this sentiment when he was quoted as saying that every competition that you have, even if you win all of them, is just a rehearsal for the Olympics where your goal should be winning a gold medal. I disagree. Perform your best, be proud and glad for the experience, even if you are disappointed with the final result. There is no shame, even if you finish last in a field of 40 athletes.
Most Olympic athletes have been competing against each other, sometimes for years. If you watched the games, you may have noticed that regardless their country, at the end of their event, it was common to see the participants hugging and congratulating each other. That is what the Olympics are about: international camaraderie.
The Canadian men’s hockey team was favored to beat the U.S. in the gold medal match. Not as monumental as the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” that saw the United States defeat a much stronger Russian team, but it was still a big deal! When they were given their silver medal, you could see the disappointment on the faces of the Canadian players. Not one of them smiled during what should have been a proud moment, but it was understandable. Perhaps they will eventually recognize and appreciate the level of success they achieved.
The gold medal winner in ice skating, Alysa Liu, was the best example of an athlete who was there to enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome. She comforted a teammate who did not perform well and was quick to congratulate competitors from other countries when they left the ice. Her smile never left her face throughout. She was there to take it all in and enjoy the experience.
Making your national team should be what it is about—while winning a medal of any color is just icing on the cake. But finishing fourth by one-hundredth of a second does not make you a loser. Maybe next Olympics you will do better, or maybe you won’t. But I bet that any of those who participated in this year’s Olympics will covet and remember what they did, regardless of the outcome, for the rest of their life.
Hey, did I ever tell you that 62 years ago, I played in the front end of a doubleheader at Madison Square Garden? The back end was the Knicks against the Lakers… See what I mean?
Frank Gunsberg
Great Barrington
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